WINLESS Papua New Guinea team has not given up hope of winning a match at the U19 world cup when the East Asia Pacific champions face Bermuda in the quarter finals today in Johor Baru.
After a seven wicket loss to South Africa in their final group B match at the Kinara Cricket Academy captain Colin Amini was still full of hope that his side still has a few surprises for their opposition before exiting the world cup in Malaysia.
Last Friday the PNG U19 cricket team were hosted a dinner by PNG High Commissioner to Malaysia Peter Maginde at his residence in Kuala Lumpur city.
Unfortunately the High Commissioner was away on official duties and his wife Vavine Maginde and a section of the PNG community were present to wish the PNG side all the best in their match against Bermuda.
Mrs Maginde congratulated the PNG junior cricket team for making to the world cup and playing their best cricket against test playing sides.
“All of you played very well in your last three matches and all of us here in Kuala Lumpur who came to support all of you are very proud,” she said.
“You have done the country proud by playing against test playing sides and that goes to show that we are as good as them too,” she said.
Captain Colin Amini when thanking Madam Maginde for their wonderful hospitality said that he was positive the side can be able to face Bermuda after playing against India, West Indies and South Africa last week.
“I’m positive we do well against Bermuda and hopefully qualify for the plate semi finals, it’s up to us to take ourselves to the next level but as far as our preparations are concern I believe of a positive outcome,” Amini said.
Coach Gavera Rarua was also positive saying it was not over yet and his side still had the quarter finals to go.
“Anything is possible and I’m positive of getting a win in the quarter finals, we played in our last three matches and the boys have gained good experience from those matches,” Rarua said.