Nao ruled out of Fiji qualifier due to injury

Sports

Bowler Alei Nao, has been ruled out of the ICC world T20 East-Asia-Pacific qualifier in Suva, Fiji, due to injury, striking a huge blow for the Papua New Guinea Barramundis.
Nao ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament at a training session in Brisbane, Australia, on Friday.
Nao will undergo surgery on Thursday and will be ruled out from playing cricket for at least 12 months.
According to a statement from Cricket PNG, Simon Atai has been name as Nao’s replacement and flew to Brisbane on Friday to join his teammates.
This means Atai and Steven Eno have an opportunity to become the 119th and 120th Barramundis to receive a “baggy black” cap if they make their debuts in Fiji.
The Barramundis will play Samoa, Vanuatu and hosts Fiji twice.
They play their opener against Samoa on Saturday.
The top-two teams at the end of the tournament will advance to the regional finals early next year.
The Barramundis departed Brisbane for Suva yesterday.
Barramundis: Assad Vala (captain), Charles Amini Jr (vice-captain), Lega Siaka, Tony Ura, Sese Bau, Jason Kila, Damien Ravu, John Boge Reva, Simon Atai, Nosaina Pokana, Norman Vanua, Kipling Doriga, Chad Soper, Steven Eno
Fixtures: Sat, Aug 25 – Barramundis vs Samoa (9.30am), Hebou PNG Barramundis v Fiji (1.30pm); Sun, Aug 26 – Barramundis v Vanuatu (1.30pm); Tues, Aug 28 – Barramundis vs Samoa (9.30am), Barramundis v Fiji (1.30pm); Wed, Aug 29 – Barramundis v Vanuatu (1.30pm)