Squad named for qualifier

The Papua New Guinea Under-19 men’s cricket squad to complete at the 2018 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup East Asia Pacific qualifier in Apia, Samoa, from Aug 8-17 was announced last week.
The Hebou-sponsored 14-man Garamuts squad will be led by Pari’s Vagi Karaho and comprises players from the Port Moresby Cricket Association (POMCA).
The squad has two players who have previously played for the Garamuts in last year’s U19 World Cup qualifiers in New Zealand and Malaysia – Daure William Aiga Aiga and Vagi Karaho.
Cricket PNG’s chairman of selectors, Daniel Faunt, was excited at this new crop of players selected for Samoa.
“We believe we have picked a balanced side and are confident we can restore our position as the number one cricketing nation in the EAP at U19 level,” Faunt said.
“Importantly, we have given the squad exposure to high quality cricket as part of their preparations and are pleased with the progress they have made.” The Garamuts will play six matches against Vanuatu, Fiji and hosts Samoa at the qualifier with the winner to qualify for the 2018 U19 World Cup in New Zealand from Jan 12 to Feb 4.
PNG is hoping to qualify for their eighth U19 World Cup, after qualifying in the 1998 edition in South Africa, 2002  in New Zealand, 2004 in Nepal, 2008 in Malaysia, 2010 in New Zealand, 2012 in Australia and 2014  the United Arab Emirates.
The team leaves for Samoa Aug 5.
Garamuts: Vagi Karaho (C), Sema Igo Kamea, James Junior Tau,  Willie Nao, Ovia Lohia Sam, Nou Reva Rarua, Heagi Ronald Toua, Kevau Nou Tau, Igo John Mahuru, Simon Kwalahu Atai, Lui Aiga Kila, Daure William Aiga, Leke Morea, Boge Daniel Arua; Non-travelling reserves: Keith Seri Taunao Griffin, Tau Toua Nou, Frank Ani, Toua Lophar Morgan. Fixtures: Tues, Aug 8 – PNG v Fiji; Wed, Aug 9 – PNG v Samoa; Fri, Aug 11 – PNG v Vanuatu; Sat, Aug 12 – PNG v Fiji; Mon, Aug 14 – PNG v Samoa; Tues, Aug 15 – PNG v Vanuatu.