As their country grapples with the worst COVID-19 surge, debutant Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be eager to put a smile on their countrymen’s faces when they take on co-hosts Oman in a first-round match. t20 world cup Here on Sunday.
After two near misses in their qualifying efforts, PNG left nothing to stand a chance in the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers and were the first team to seal their spot.
A five-wicket win over the Netherlands in the group stage proved decisive for them and although they lost the final, Asad Wala & Co were able to qualify for their first ICC global tournament.
However, PNG heads to the tournament on the back of a trial period.
The country is suffering from what health officials say is the worst surge in COVID-19 cases as the pandemic began with many squad members still grieving.
After not playing any international cricket for nearly two years, the cricket team has struggled to find its rhythm.
In the lead-up to the tournament, PNG have lost 12 consecutive games – eight ODIs, two T20Is and two unofficial World Cup practice matches.
They will hope to play in Oman from the beginning of September and getting more time to adapt to the conditions will help them qualify for this tournament.
Captain Vala’s runs at number three will be crucial for the team, while the all-rounder’s off-spin can also play a key role in boosting Norman Vanua’s pace.
Vanua, also a tough batsman, took a hat-trick against Bermuda in the 2019 qualifiers and will go for the captaincy in the death overs.
Meanwhile, opener Tony Ura has a T20I century to his name and continues to own his country’s highest ODI score after a brilliant 151 against Ireland in March 2018.
On the other hand, co-hosts Oman, who qualified with a win over Ireland five years ago, will be aiming to take advantage of the home advantage.
The combination of consistent improvement and playing on home soil has given them reason to believe that they can advance to the Super 12 stage.
Oman will rely on their top order and fast bowlers to win the match. He also boats a versatile selection of slow bowling all-rounders.
The opening pair of Aaqib Ilyas and Jatinder Singh are strong. The bowling attack will be led by Bilal Khan, who has 51 T20I scalps to his name, and took four of them to help his side defend 134 in the deciding qualifier against Hong Kong and book their spot in the main event.
Pacer Kalimullah has been effective in all formats with the new ball, while Fayaz Butt has also been in good form.
full squad
Oman: Zeeshan Maqsood (Captain), Aaqib Ilyas, Jatinder Singh, Kharwar Ali, Mohammad Nadeem, Ayan Khan, Suraj Kumar, Sandeep Gaur, Nestor Dhamba, Kalimullah, Bilal Khan, Naseem Khushi, Sufyan Mahmood, Fayaz Butt, Khurram Nawaz Khan.
Papua New Guinea: Asad Vala (captain), Charles Amini, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Nosyo Pokana, Kipling Doriga, Tony Ura, Hiri Hiri, Gaudi Toka, Seuss Bau, Damien Ravu, Kabua Wagi-Moriya, Simon Atai, Jason Kila , Chad Soper, Jack Gardner.
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