Hard work, dedication, self-belief recipe for Barramundis success

HARD work, dedication and self-belief was the Papua New Guinea Barramundis’ recipe for success in their T20 World Cup qualifier campaign in Dubai, according to coach Joe Dawes.
“Very proud. Great achievement and it’s really nice to be part of history,” Dawes said after the Barramundis topped their pool to gain automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup.
“It’s been 18 months of hard work. We sat down 18 months ago as a group and talked about what we wanted to achieve and the things that we needed to do to achieve them.
“We talked about if we’re going to achieve something we’ve never done before, we’re going to do things we’ve never done on and off the field.
“It’s really pleasing to see the boys buy into that vision, and go out and execute it. The reception and the feedback on social media when arrived at the airport was probably one of the most special moments that I’ve had in cricket.
“When walked out there and ran into the friends and families it was overwhelming.”
Barramundis captain Assad Vala said the willingness of each player had proved the difference between PNG and other nations competing in the qualifier.
“I just wanted to contribute as much as possible to get the team over the line for the World Cup,” he said.
“As a team, the self-belief and confidence we had in ourselves was instilled by the coach.
“That was the dream and goal of every individual who went there.”