Barras’ Atai dedicates T20 World Cup tour to late mother

KUMUL Petroleum Papua New Guinea Barramundis batsman Simon Atai says he will dedicate the upcoming Twenty-20 World Cup to his late mother.
“I dedicate all my games to my mum,” he said.
“She passed away last year, so this World Cup is for her.”
Atai fondly remembers his dear mother, as he thanks his family for their support in the lead-up to the Barramundis’ maiden World Cup.
This is the first time he will be travelling out of the country since his mum’s passing, however, he will play in her honour.
Growing up in Hanuabada, Atai started playing cricket in the Under-12s.
He has been with the Barras for three years.
Fortunately enough, all his hard work and sacrifice has paid off.
Apart from winning, Atai said he was looking forward to learning from first-class cricketers.
“If we do make it to the Super 12, I’m going to ask as many questions as I can to the first-class players from countries like Australia and India,” he said.
This will not be the first time Atai has met first-class cricketers though.
He has met Mark Waugh and Nathan Reardon, and he’ll never forget what Nathan taught him: Time is money; use it wisely.
For Atai, he doesn’t have to look far for inspiration, as he points out his captain as one of his role models.
“Just like me, Assad’s a left-handed batsman and he’s great at his game,” he said.
Cricket has taken Atai places.
Wishing to visit Dubai again after his last tour in 2019, the 21-year-old hopes to get another glimpse of the Burj Khalifa and the city’s rapidly emerging structures.
When Atai is away from home, the Barras are his second family.