Cricket PNG pride, the Kumul Petroleum Barramundis will take on Malaysia on 20th September 2023, in the second match for the Men's T20 Tri-Nation Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in their preparations for the 2024 World Cup in the USA.
“I am very excited, it’s a great opportunity for our side having qualified for the World Cup - the T20 Men's World Cup next year in the USA,” said CEO of Cricket PNG Richard Done.
The Tri-Nation Cup begins on 19th September 2023 with Hong Kong taking on Malaysia and on 20th September 2023, they (Malaysia) will be going against Papua New Guinea who will be going in for their first match of the event.
The 13-men squad alongside four support staff who have travelled to Malaysia on Sunday are confident in getting good results in their World Cup preparations, which is in line with their aim of vying to get a spot in the upcoming cricket world tourney.
The team that will take the pitch tomorrow are Assad Vala (Capt.), Tony Ura, Hiri Hiri, Kipling Doriga, CJ Amini, Lega Siaka, Sema Kamea, Alei Nao, John Kariko, Nosana Pokana, Riley Hekure, Michael Charlie and Norman Vanua
The support staff are Tatenda Taibu, John Ovia, Mahuru Dai, and Siyih Johang. Meanwhile, the veteran player and captain of the Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis has acknowledged the importance of this tournament and staff, saying that this event is important as the team needs to polish up before the big event in 2024.
“It’s a really important tournament for the Barras. All these games and preparations are individuals leading up to the World Cup next year and are important not just for me but for everyone in the squad. We all are vying for the World Cup spot so we are trying to do everything we can as individuals to cement a spot and make it to the World Cup.
"Not just to get match practice but we want to cement a spot and represent our country in the World Cup so everything is leading up to that and the preparations have been going really well,” said Captain Assad Vala.
“Our coach has been working really hard to give ourselves the best opportunity to get the results we want,” said Captain Vala.
There are four T20 Internationals for PNG. PNG will play on the 20th of September against Malaysia, the 21st of September against Hong Kong, the 23rd of September against Malaysia again, and the 24th of September against Hong Kong.
Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, Coach Nathan Readon who coached the team in the T20 Men's World Cup Qualifier will not be available for this tour. The team will now bank on coach Tatenda’s experience to lead them into this tournament.
“Tatenda, who has taken the women's team away has currently stepped in with the guys and I will say that his experience as the former captain and as a person with really high integrity and value is something we think will be really good for our team,” said CEO Cricket PNG Richard Done.
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