By SUSAN OREAPE-FARAPO
THE Papua New Guinea Cricket Board has announced a 17-woman squad to the ICC tournament in Pakistan next month.
The 14-member team including three non-travelling reserves for the first time will run on an international turf on Nov 15-25th in Pakistan.
The Brian Bell PNG women’s team is: Kuni Amini (captain), Gari Mea, Nao Kamea, Bede Morea, Boni David, Mebo Ipi, Norma Ovasuru (co-vice captain), Ura Kwalu, Henao Sam, Konio Heagi, Pauke Siaka (co-vice captain), Karo Lumis, Vavine Amini and Lucy Ovia, non-traveling reserves Lorren Vali, Koita Simon and Biria Savaea.
The PNG women’s team played their first international match last year against Japan and with the little experience gained they are confident to meet their opponents in a few weeks time.
PNG will be among seven other nations vying for the two top spot to qualify for the World cup in Australia in 2009. The tournament will be divided in two pools with PNG place in Pool B. Pool A consists of PNG, South Africa, Bermuda and Holland with Pool B, Zimbabwe, Scotland, Pakistan and Ireland.
“This is our second international match and the first away fro home, we will have the confidence and the players’ performance must be of good standard in order to win,” head coach, Seura Loa said.
He said the hot favorites are Pakistan and South Africa because they are Test playing nations. “We (PNG) have been playing cricket but this tournament is basedon another level ... so we play our own game,” Loa said.
He said much emphasis will be placed on top class batting and bowling but the general team coordination was regarded has the key for victory.
PNGCB chairman Mick Nades has praised the squad for their second international stint and told the cricketers to play their hearts out for the country.
“Cricket is a game that you cannot predict so it would be anybody’s match and there must be commitment and team work,” Nades said.
The team leaves for Pakistan on Nov 11.