PAPUA New Guinea Under 19 cricket team coach Gavera Rarua believes his side can give the Indian’s a strong challenge in their first pool match at the Kinara Cricket Academy on Sunday.
In an interview yesterday morning at their camp at Sunway Pyramid Hotel, Rarua said that their preparations were going smoothly and he believed he has the team to give India a good challenge.
“From the last two matches against Ireland (Monday) and Malaysia (Thursday) I should have fair idea of who’s going to make the first eleven to play against India and I’m positive that each and everyone of them know the responsibility they have to carry out.
Captain Collin Amini was also positive that the warm-up matches against Ireland and Malaysia have given the guys a fair idea of the playing conditions in Malaysia.
Rarua said Alfred Amini and Heni Siaka should recovery very well from their minor injuries and be ready to face the might of India.
Amini knows that PNG has yet to win a match at this level and has said that he and his team mates were looking forward to Sunday’s crucial encounter with the Indians
“We have nothing to lose and will be going there to do our best.” Amini said.
For the Indian team they are coming off a morale-boosting six-wicket win over England at the Royal Military Colleague Ground on Wednesday.
PNG will really need to lift in all departments to get a positive head start ahead of India.
PNG’s first match against India should see the return of opening batsmen Heni Siaka and Alfred Amini who both sat out in their second practice match against Malaysia due to minor injuries.
All rounder Joel Tom and fast bowler Loa Nou were also rested by coach Gavera Rarua in preparations for the crucial match against India on Sunday.