Barras T20 side named

By LESLIE OMARO
PAPUA New Guinea Barramundis captain Rarua Dikana says the final 14-man squad selected for the Twenty20 world cup qualifiers has a good balance of youth and experience.
The T20 world cup qualifying tournament will be held from March 13-24 in Dubai. The Hebou Barramundis’ pool includes Afghanistan, Denmark, Nepal, Hong Kong, Canada, the Netherlands and Bermuda.
Dikana says the inclusion of former England Test wicketkeeper  Geraint Jones as batsman is a bonus and will boost the morale of the side.
The 31-year-old skipper says the majority of the side played in Dubai during the world cricket division league last April.
“This will be the first time John Boge Reva and Joel Tom play in Dubai and it will be a good experience for them,” Dikana said.
“The boys have really trained hard and prepared well for the qualifiers and I know they are all ready for the big tournament.
“But I know our preparations don’t stop after the announcement of the squad because we still have plenty to do in terms of training and refining our skills.
“I’m really happy with the team that has been selected because it has a good mix of youth and experience and I’m positive we will do well,” Dikana said.
The Barramundis squad members on scholarship will meet up with the Port Moresby based players, Jones and new national coach Peter Anderson in Canberra on Feb 28.
The squad will stay in Canberra until March 3, playing a game against an invitational Australian Capital Territory  Futures League U19 XI.
After Canberra the squad will return to Port Moresby for a final training session and depart for Dubai on March 9.
The T20 tournament is arguably the toughest test the Barramundi’s have ever faced in their quest to qualify for their first ever world cup.
They have to finish in the top two of the 16 countries competing to qualify for the world cup later this year in Sri Lanka. 
The Barramundis: Rarua Dikana (captain), Christopher Amini, Assad Vala, Vani Morea, John Boge Reva, Joel Tom, Mahuru Dai, Geraint Owen Jones, Christopher Kent, Jack Vare (wk), Tony Ura, Willie Gavera, Hitolo Areni, Jason Kila.
Reserves: Sese Bau, Charles Amini, Lega Siaka and Jacob Mado.
Officials: Peter Anderson (coach), Greg Campbell (assistant coach), Stuart McBirdie (physiotherapist) and Udu Vai (team manager).