Date with destiny

THE PNG Hebou Barramundis are closing in on the biggest event in PNG cricket history when they compete in the World Cricket League 2 next month in Dubai.
In assessing the draw released yesterday, national coaching director Andy Bichel said: “The draw is kind to us in that we play some teams who we believe are very similar to us in the first few rounds and this combined with the serious preparation that the Barramundis have had should mean a good start to the event.”
PNG, which qualified for the April 8-15 tournament with a second place finish at the World Cricket League 3 in January in Hong Kong, will play five second tier (associate level) nations.
They are Uganda, Namibia, Hong Kong, Bermuda and hosts United Arab Emirates.
Although PNG stand to win US$350,000 in development funding from the International Cricket Council with a top four finish, material gain is the last thing on the minds of the Barramundis as Bichel keeps the focus on performance and improvement.
“The team’s on-going preparation has included a higher level of strength and conditioning work than ever undertaken previously.
“World Cricket League 2 is the peak of our own ‘Kokoda Track’ and I have no doubt that our preparation will ensure the boys are up to the challenge,”  Bichel said.
If PNG finish in the top two, they will qualify for the International Cup which is where teams play a four-day format.
“We are now playing at a highest level available to us internationally and with the restructure of world cricket underway, we hope to show our local fans and the cricket world that PNG is a future player at international events. “The Barramundis team is fast becoming a team to fear.
“I have high expectations and so do the players” Bichel added.
PNG play Bermuda on April 8, followed by UAE the next day before having a rest day on April 10.
They resume their tournament against Namibia and Hong Kong on consecutive days (April 11-12)  before rounding off the round robin fixtures taking on Uganda on April 14.
The playoffs for final placings takes takes place the next day with PNG aiming to make the third place playoff ensuring a rise in 19th in ranking and the bonus of additional ICC funding.
Meanwhile, Cricket PNG will release the Barramaundis squad this week and are expected to name its strongest line-up for Dubai.