Papua New Guinea captain Asad Vala is determined to ensure his country’s first ICC men’s T20I. World Last year’s appearance at the Cup does not represent a one-off as they look to cement their place in the October mega event in Australia.
Vala’s side is preparing for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B, which has two qualification spots, and will take on Netherlands, Hong Kong and Uganda in Group B later this month.
The PNG skipper remembers well the joy he felt after his team’s success at this level three years ago and believes they have the tools at their disposal to put on a double performance as they return home. Looking to capitalize on the growing interest in cricket.
“We know from experience how special it is to qualify for the World Cup. It was a dream come true. After playing for so many years and trying to make it to the World Cup, as we did, it was fantastic,” said Vala.
“We enjoyed the experience of playing in big stadiums and we want to experience that atmosphere again. When the World Cup got underway, there was a lot of interest, not just in the cricket fraternity – everyone in Papua New Guinea was behind us.
“We know it will be tough – everyone is going out with the same goal and from the first ball against the Netherlands we have to be ready,” he said.
Barramundis were beaten in all three of their Group B games in the United Arab Emirates last October, slipping a decent position in the opener against Oman before going on to go against Scotland and Bangladesh.
Vala believes that his side has learned a lot from the experience. However, he is backing some new and returning players to make an impact in Zimbabwe.
“We are feeling very confident. We know we have to play our best cricket to qualify but if we do that we will have a good chance. We have played our first T20 match since the World Cup in Nepal in April. We have played and we have just finished our domestic T20 tournament.
“We have a young wicketkeeper, Hila Vare, who is scoring runs in that competition, so he is going to make his debut in the coming games. Hopefully he can carry this form to this tournament and do well at the international level.”
Also heading to Zimbabwe is 32-year-old Tony Ura, who had surfaced in Nepal. He smashed 10 sixes in his knock of 86 not out off 34 balls against Malaysia and his captain is hopeful that he can continue his momentum.
“Tony Ura has been exceptional over the last few months. He finished the Nepal series really strong and is in good form at the domestic level. He is consistently scoring runs and striking the ball really well – him It has become difficult to bowl in the nets. He is a match-winner for us,” said the PNG skipper.
Seamer Damien Ravu recalled traveling to Nepal in recent months to prevent an attack under the guidance of former Australia international Chad Sayers. Some familiar enemies are waiting in the group stage and can’t wait to leave.
We have played a lot against Hong Kong. I haven’t seen their team yet, but we have a really good rivalry with them,” Vala said.
“I’ve always wanted to do my best for the country and this group of boys – qualifying will be a huge achievement. Hopefully I can lead from the front and help us get to another World Cup.”
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