Papua New Guinea Rely on Experience for T20 World Cup 2024 Squad
Assad Vala, who led the Barramundis in the 2021 edition of the tournament, will once again captain the team in the T20 World Cup 2024. The team secured their spot in the competition through the East Asia-Pacific regional final in July 2023.
Vala is among the 10 players from the 2021 campaign. Jack Gardner, who was a reserve member in 2021, has been selected in the 15-player group this time. CJ Amini, a leg-spinning all-rounder, will serve as the vice-captain.
Check out all the squads named so far for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Vala believes the team is better prepared for this year’s competition after dealing with Covid complications in 2021. He is optimistic about their chances in the Caribbean.
“The energy within the team has been fantastic. For those who participated in the last T20 World Cup, the feeling is different now. The training and preparation are much better than last time, which was during Covid. I am eagerly looking forward to this event because I am confident we will perform well.”
Papua New Guinea had an unbeaten run in the qualifiers, winning six consecutive matches on home soil. They defeated Japan, Vanuatu, and the Philippines in the regional final.
Recently-appointed head coach and ex-Zimbabwe keeper Tatenda Taibu, who took over from former Australia international Nathan Reardon, has rewarded the majority of the qualifying squad with a place in the team travelling to the West Indies.
Fourteen members of the qualifying group have been selected. Chad Soper, a player from the 2021 T20 World Cup, is back in the squad after impressive performances in recent matches, particularly on tours to Malaysia and Oman. The youngest player in the group, left-arm orthodox spinner John Kariko, has experience playing in West Indies conditions from Papua New Guinea’s appearance at the U19 World Cup in 2022, where he took a five-wicket haul against Uganda.
The team boasts eight recognised all-rounders, providing both right and left-arm bowling options. Left-arm quicks Sema Kamea and Kabua Vagi Morea both performed well in the qualifiers, with Morea taking a hat-trick against the Philippines.
Papua New Guinea will start their campaign with a challenging match against hosts West Indies on June 2. They will then face Uganda on June 5, with both teams likely seeking their first victory at the tournament. Their final group stage matches will be against Afghanistan on June 13 and East Asia-Pacific heavyweights New Zealand.
Papua New Guinea squad:
Assadollah Vala (c), CJ Amini (vc), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura
Check out the announcement on the ICC’s Instagram: ICC (@icc)