Barramundis have nothing to lose: Amini

ALL-ROUNDER Charles Amini Junior says heading into the Twenty-20 (T20) World Cup in Oman next month, Papua New Guinea have nothing to lose and much to gain.
The 29-year-old says the team are ready for the challenge after a solid preparation at home.
“Going into the tournament, we’re the underdogs because Oman have home advantage and Scotland have been there before. This is our first time,” Amini said.
That confidence was honed early on when as an eight-year-old he first played the sport in Melbourne, Australia.
“Cricket has always been a part of my family,” Amini said.
“My first game was in Melbourne, I was eight-years-old.
“I was terrified but just thinking back now, it was good fun. It’s been a long journey.”
With the Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis’ first time playing in the T20 World Cup, it’s an opportune time to learn from the whole experience.
“Just knowing that if we’re ever faced with another experience of going to the World Cup I can use this time as something that I’ve done before and have an idea of what to expect,” Amini said.
Now away from home gearing up for the tournament, Amini said he always missed his family and friends, and local food, especially his favourite – rice and bully beef.
“I’m terrible,” he laughs as he admits he’s not the best golfer, but oddly enough playing golf is one of the things he’s looking forward to on his downtime in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
One of Amini’s special talents is sewing. He helps his mum out when she needs help sewing, so he dubs himself quite the “sewist”.
And he loves his music too. On his playlist, you’ll most likely find 1980s rhythm and blues star Bobby Brown and tracks from John Mayer’s latest album.
Proud to be representing his country, Amini says that cricket has brought him far in life.
“Cricket instils values in a player, such as discipline and being responsible,” he said.
“I think all those values come into play, it teaches you about life. Those values are a big part of who I am now.”
His advice to the younger generation is sports at some level are for everyone.
“Not everyone is meant to be a doctor or an engineer,” Amini said.
“Everyone has something that they’re good at. If you feel that you’re very talented in sports, sports can take you to places.
“Like I said, just playing and having fun sport will instil good values in your life.”