PNG to host US, Namibia in series next month

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE national men’s team will host the United States (US) and Namibia in the Cricket World Cup League Two series at Amini Park, Port Moresby, from Sept 2-11, says an official.
Cricket Papua New Guinea (CPNG) domestic cricket manager Lakani Oala told The National yesterday that initially, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were supposed to be part of the tournament.
This will be the first International Cricket Council (ICC) event that CPNG will host since 2019 and their fourth international event in the country.
“This is an ICC-sanctioned event, so we are preparing,” Oala said.
“It is also our first (international event) as hosts since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Arrangements are being made at Amini Park.
“The turf has to be in perfect condition. That includes other preparations like general ground maintenance as we have to meet ICC standards.” CPNG had hosted three previous League Two tournaments, the first in 2016 featuring Kenya then the following year a tri-nation series against Namibia and Scotland.
“The last one was the East Asia-Pacific Twenty-20 (T20) World Cup qualifier in 2019 where we hosted Vanuatu and the Philippines,” Oala said.
“At the moment, Scotland and UAE will not attend the tournament.
“It will be just for PNG, Namibia and the US.”
Meanwhile, the Barramundis will return to PNG following the end of the Darwin 365 tournament next week. The Barramundis will play one-day internationals and T20 fixtures against the US and Namibia.