Papua New Guinea who will be featuring in their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have picked a strongly experienced 15-man squad.
Assad Vala who led PNG to their first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup back in 2021 will lead PNG yet again after sealing a qualification spot from the East Asia-Pasific region qualifiers.
“The energy has been great within the team. For some of the boys who went to the last T20 World Cup, it’s a different feeling now with a lot of the training because the last time was during Covid, and the preparation wasn’t as good as what we’re going through now.
“I am looking forward to this event because I know we are going to do well.”, Vala mentioned.
In order to defeat rivals Japan, Vanuatu, and the Philippines in the regional final, Papua New Guinea won six straight matches at home to secure their spot in the competition.
Former Australia international Nathan Reardon, who now serves as an assistant coach, has been replaced as head coach by former Zimbabwean wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu. Taibu has given a ticket to the West Indies to the majority of the team that qualified.
Fourteen players have been chosen for the qualifying group, including Chad Soper, a 2021 T20 World Cup player, who has returned to the team after making an impression on recent tours to Malaysia and Oman. John Kariko, a youthful left-arm orthodox spinner, is the youngest player in the team. He has played in the West Indies before, having taken five wickets against Uganda in 2022 during Papua New Guinea’s U19 World Cup attendance.
Papua New Guinea squad: Assadollah Vala (c), CJ Amini (vc), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura