Vala to lead PNG at second T20 World Cup

PAPUA New Guinea Barramundis skipper and seasoned all-rounder Assad Vala will lead his men into the ICC Twenty-20 (T20) World Cup, just like he did in their maiden Cup appearance in 2021 but with more conviction in the team’s preparation.
Vala told The National yesterday the team were more prepared for West Indies and the United States compared with their first World Cup after the Covid-19 pandemic when travel restrictions had impacted their participation in lead-up international fixtures.
“That’s not an excuse for 2021 but the feeling now is different with great energy in the team as we’ve had more training and game time, both abroad and the recent domestic competition, so we are all looking forward to the World Cup,” Vala said.
“Also, what was different in 2021 was that we didn’t meet the new coach (then) until we arrived in Oman. We were preparing in Port Moresby under the guidance of our former coach then, so there were some mixed messages then.
“But the preparation now has been exceptional with the guidance of Tatenda. He has been working with us over the last two months to three months.”
Vala said the long tour abroad enabled the team to bond closer, with their head coach and he with them – which had really benefited their team unity and preparation.
“When we were on tour, he didn’t just play the same 11, he was making three to five changes every game to see how everyone would cope in international fixtures,” Vala said.
“He saw everyone and he gave everyone the opportunity to stake a claim in the final 15 (squad) for the World Cup.
“So everyone that’s been selected has the right to be in the World Cup squad. We were all given equal opportunity to prove ourselves to be in the World Cup,” the PNG captain added.
Vala said that he was confident with the squad as their preparation had equal training in field sessions, skills, strength and conditioning as well as good game time both domestically and abroad.
“We’re going up against three full member nations in Afghanistan, West Indies – who are we playing in the first game – and New Zealand who are one of the powerhouses in world cricket,” he said.
“We’re grateful for this opportunity to go out there and represent PNG.”