NATIONAL selectors has recalled nine players from winning team that defeated Vanuatu in last year’s World Cup qualifying final to boost PNG’s campaign at the International Cricket Council U19 World Cup in Malaysia.
The ICC U19 World Cup will be held in Malaysia from Feb 17 to March 3.
All rounder Colin Amini will captain the side and classy wicket keeper Arua Dikana has been given the vice-captaincy role.
The players selected again to represent PNG are Tony Ura, Heni Siaka, Tanti Heni, Alfred Amini, Colin Amini, Arua Dikana, Jonathan Diho, Jason Kila, Loa Nou, Jacob Mado, Joel Tom, Willie Gavera, John Reva, Charles Amini jnr and Archie Vala. The non travelling reserves are Anisi Oala, Raymond Haoda Jnr and Lega Siaka. Gavera Rarua has been named as the PNG U19 side coach after he guided the team to a 104 run victory over Vanuatu and finishing the tournament unbeaten last year.
Rarua is also the coach for the Poreporena Cricket Club which won three consecutive titles under his control in the Port Moresby A grade cricket particularly the one-day and two-day competitions. Rarua will be ably assisted by assistant coach John Ovia.
Rarua thanked the PNG cricket board for bringing over Queensland Cricket Regional High Performance Manager Vic Williams, who assisted the side with technical advice regarding the World Cup tournament.
“The boys have really improved their cricket techniques during those two days – it was worth it,” Rarua said.
The team officials are Cheryl Amini (team manager), Gavera Rarua (coach), John Ovia (assistant coach), Vic Williams (technical adviser) and Michael Wilson (physiotherapist).
The 15 member team was selected from a training squad of 22 members who have been training at the Amini Park in Port Moresby over the last couple of months.
Sixteen countries will be taking part in the World Cup including Pakistan, India, Australia, England, Zimbabwe, West Indies, Sir Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, Nepal, Bermuda, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Namibia and Ireland.
PNG is in Pool B along with South Africa, West Indies and India.