Barras named for qualifiers

Sports

CRICKET Papua New Guinea (CPNG) has announced a 15-man Barramundis squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers in Dubai from Oct 11 to Nov 3.
The event has 14 teams vying for six spots in the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia next November.
The Barramundis will face some tough opponents with the likes of Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia competing. However, the Joe Dawes-coached side are very confident of qualifying.
“The team is aware of the importance this tournament holds for cricket in PNG, they have been training well and are getting their minds switched back to T20 cricket after two recent one-day international tours,” Dawes said.
“There has been a couple of changes to the squad who toured the United States with JB Reva, Sese Bau and Damien Ravu coming back into the team.
“Gaudi Toka and Alei Nou miss out. JB, Sese and Damien are all very expierenced T20 cricketers, adding strength to the squad.
“Gaudi and Alei are unlucky this time but will have plenty of opportunities in the future.”
When asked about the Barramundis chances, CPNG chief executive Greg Campbell said: “The selectors have picked the strongest possible squad.
“The goal of making this World Cup was set back when we appointed Joe as coach. He and his coaching staff have been preparing the boys for this opportunity.
“We can beat all these teams on our day, we just need to take our chances and we will make the top-six.
“I’m sure the other sides know that PNG will be tough and they’ll get a little nervous.”
The Barramundis leave tomorrow aiming to be the first PNG cricket team to make a senior World Cup.
Barramundis: Assad Vala (captain), CJ Amini (vice-captain), Sese Bau, Lega Siaka, Nosaina Pokana, Kipling Doriga, Chad Soper, Hiri Hiri, Damien Ravu, Riley Hekure, JB Reva, Simon Atai, Norman Vanua, Tony Ura, Jason Kila.