Dai reflects on U19 days

PAPUA New Guinea all-rounder Mahuru Dai reflected on his own Under-19 Cricket World Cup ahead of the upcoming 2018 ICC U19 World Cup in New Zealand from Jan 13 to Feb 3.
Dai, one of the senior players in the current Hebou PNG Barramundis squad, played for the Garamuts at the U19 Cricket World Cups in 2002 (New Zealand) and 2004 (Bangladesh) an experience he says helped shape him into the cricketer he is today.
“The U19 World Cup was very important in shaping me as a cricketer today. It was all a learning experience, both on and off the field. Travelling overseas to a new environment and playing against the best cricketers in the world was inspiring for me,” Dai said.
Dai had some fond memories in both New Zealand and Bangladesh.
“One of the highlights for me was when we played against the mighty West Indies and scoring over 200 runs against them. That was unbelievable.
“Also, in Bangladesh, it was the best atmosphere that I have ever played in early in my career. The facilities were great both on and off the field with big crowds attending matches on big stadiums,” the 33-year-old said.
Dai emphasised the importance of teams and players from non-test nations playing in the U 19 Cricket World Cup.
“The U19 Cricket World Cup is a huge stage for players to showcase their talents.
“There could be opportunities for players from non-test playing countries to play in the full-test playing countries at club or first-class levels.”
Dai was inspired by a number of cricketers who played at the U19 Cricket World Cup and have since taken the next step and played for their respective countries at test Level.
“There were unbelievable players that played in the 2004 U19 World Cup who have since taken the next step and played test cricket. Alastair Cook (England) and Xavier Marshall (West Indies) were just a couple of those players,” he said.
The 15-man PNG U19 Garamuts side that will be competing at the 2018 U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand will be led by Pari’s Vagi Karaho with players all from the Port Moresby Cricket Association.
The 2018 U19 World Cup will be the 12th time the tournament has been held and it will be the third time the tournament will be held in New Zealand.
The tournament will feature 16 teams — 10 full member and six associate member — divided into four groups.
The top two after the round-robin stage will advance to the main quarter-finals (Super League), while the bottom two from each group will advance to the plate cup.
This will be the eighth time the PNG have qualified for the U19 Cricket World Cup, having already played in 1998 (South Africa), 2002 (New Zealand), 2004 (Bangladesh), 2008 (Malaysia), 2010 (New Zealand), 2012 (Australia) and 2014 (UAE).
Including the current Garamuts squad, a total of 92 players will have played in the U19 Cricket World Cup.
Out of those players, 71 have played in one World Cup, 20 have played in two World Cups while Charles Amini Junior is the only PNG player to have played in three World Cups.
Also, 32 PNG players who have played in the U19 Cricket World Cup have gone on to play for the PNG Barramundis.
Barramundis who have played in an U19 Cricket World Cup: Wala Vala (1), Rarua Dikana (1), Rodney Maha (1), Daniel Alu (1), Gimapau Keimelo (2), Mahuru Dai (2), Mahuta Kivung (1), Chris Amini (2), Kohu Dai (1), Greg Baeau (1), Assad Vala (1), Willie Gavera (2), Kila Pala (1), Charles Amini (3), Arua Dikana (1), Jason Kila (2), Jacob Mado (1), Loa Nou (1), John Reva (2), Joel Tom (1), Tony Ura (2), Sese Bau (2), Raymond Haoda Jr (2), Lega Siaka (2), Chris Kent (1), Dogodo Bau (2), Alei Nao (2), Chad Soper (1), Norman Vanua (1), Kipling Doriga (1), Hiri Hiri (1), Nosiana Pokana (1).
2018 PNG U19 squad: Vagi Karaho (C), James Junior Tau (VC), Daure William Aiga Aiga, Heagi Ronald Toua, Ovia Lohia Sam, Sinaka Harry Arua, Igo John Mahuru, Nou Reva Rarua, Leke Morea, Boge Daniel Arua, Kevau Nou Tau, Simon Kwalahu Atai, Eisa Eka, Sema Igo Kamea, Tau Toa Nou.
2018 U19 World Cup Fixtures: Mon, Jan 8 – PNG v West Indies (warm up); Wed, Jan 10 – PNG v New Zealand (warm up); Sat, Jan 13 – PNG v Zimbabwe; Tues, Jan 16 – PNG v India; Fri, Jan 19 – PNG v Australia.