Barras return home after historic campaign

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Papua New Guinea Barramundis returned yesterday from the Dubai qualifier in the United Arab Emirates after a historic campaign in which they secured their first T20 World Cup spot.
The Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby was packed with supporters and families of the Barramundis, who have 11 months to prepare for the showpiece event in Australia.
Captain Assad Vala said the qualifier was one of the most emotional campaigns for the team.
Head coach Joe Dawes described the team’s campaign as a culmination of hard work and patience.
“It’s been a long five weeks but it’s been fantastic,” he said after the Barramundis secured automatic qualification following their table-topping heroics.
“The boys worked really hard and we talked about this for 18 months. To be honest, to finally achieve it is really special.
“When we realised that we had qualified, there was just lot of relief, joy and pride because there were a lot people who had laid the foundation for this – before us, the previous Barramundis, coaches and staff.
“It’s not just the Barramundis who had achieved this, it’s all of Cricket PNG and the players in the country
“Such a great group of young men that I’m lucky enough to lead. They stick together like a band of brothers. They enjoy the good and bad times. I’m proud and very privileged.”