Cricket PNG launches T20 Smash tournament

By ROBINSON LEKA
CRICKET Papua New Guinea on Monday launched the Curtain Brothers T20 Smash tournament in Port Moresby as part of the Barramundis’ preparations for next month’s one-day international (ODI) tour of Scotland.
Barramundis coach Joe Dawes said the two-week tournament would serve as a selection platform for the Barramundis squad.
“From the Barramundis’ point of view, we head to Scotland next month and this tournament will form a part of the selection for that tour so we would be picking a team later this week,” he said.
“The first couple of games are really important for the boys, to get themselves into that group and then there’s a couple of spots up for grabs.
“Anyone who is playing this week has got an opportunity to get on the trip to Scotland to play for the Barramundis which is very exciting.”
The tournament, which started on Monday, will see the current Barramundis along with potential players compete in four teams – Mariners, Black Bass, Mudmen and Cassowaries.
Organisers said the top team at the end of the second week will advance into the final while second and third-placed sides would play for the remaining spot in the final, which takes place on Aug 3.
In April, the Barramundis regained their ODI status and have qualified for the League Division Two tournament which will see them take part in nine tours over the next 36 months.
The first tour is scheduled for Aug 14, with Scotland hosting Oman and PNG at Aberdeenshire.