Barras time to shine

FOUR years of concerted training and development boils down to the next 11 days as the PNG Hebou Barramundis rise to the challenge of qualifying for the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in September.
PNG plays Afghanistan in the opening round of the World T20 qualifiers in Dubai, UAE, today and a win over one of the International Cricket Council’s leading associate nations will do wonders for the team’s confidence as it tries to negotiate its way to a top two placing in the 16-team tournament.
It will not be easy and former Cricket PNG general manager Bill Leane, who added much needed impetus to the code’s development three years ago, has always kept a realist’s view of our chances.
He has said that PNG are a constantly improving outfit and have kept their playing group virtually unchanged during the past 36 months which should put the team in good stead over the coming days.
The inclusion of former England wicketkeeper  Geraint Jones has boosted PNG’s hopes.
However, Jones has admitted that his role is complementary and even though his experience on the world stage will prove invaluable the rest of the team must rally around their records and natural talent to propel PNG to its first major cricket tournament.
Captain Rarua Dikana has led PNG resolutely during the past five years and has earned a reputation as one of the best medium pacers in the associate block.
His tactical nous and ability to motivate his team when the chips are down will be equally as important as what he does with the ball and bat.
But Dikana, along with Jones will not be the only players who will be looked to for an inspirational performance.
Batsmen Assad Vala, Tony Ura and Chris Kent have to step up and convert their potential to tangible results.
Vala in particular has promised much yet has delivered well below what he is capable of at previous tournaments.
Kent, 19, is a future leader while being groomed for the No.3 position.
PNG’s bowling and fielding can match any of the teams but it will be the way they wield the willow that makes the difference.
The likely XI: Tony Ura, Christopher Amini (vc), Christpher Kent, Geraint Jones, Assad Vala, Mahuru Dai, Jack Vare, Rarua Dikana (c), Jason Kila, Hitolo Areni, Willie Gavera and Vani Vagi Morea (12th).
PNG play Canada tomorrow in game two.