Well things just keep on ticking on in PNG cricket. It's now our young boys turn the PNG U19 Garramuts are off to Dubai in the UAE to contest in the 2014 u19 cwc. This is the 7th time PNG has made the u19 wc and 4th wc in a row. Firstly lets take a look at the squad and preview the team.
There is only 1 change to the Garramuts squad and that is Mea Jimmy comes in the 15 as ICC rules allow a squad of 15 players the remaining 14 all took part on last years qualifier and top end series.
PNG is in group A alongside champions India, Pakistan and associates Scotland. The first match for the Garramuts is against Scotland and it is critical the side gets a win there to kick start there tournament. From watching these boys play and viewing results online it's not hard to tell that the bowling is defiantly there strong point. Kabua Morea (v/c) is a quality left arm medium pacer who starred for the Garramuts in last years games taking 12 wickets in 4 games, his ability to swing the ball is causing havoc for opposing batsman. Which has seen him rise to a barramundies reserve player. Other quick bowlers include Ali Nao a right arm pace bowler who is probably the quickest bowler in this side he will have to set the tone early on. Then there's Nosiana Pokana a very tall left arm quick who gets a lot of bounce and is usually a very tight bowler. Leg spinners Allen Joesph and Mea Jimmy will look to get a lot of turn in Dubai as they will be used a lot due to the pitches being spinner friendly. Hiri Hiri the top order batsman will partner them with his handy offies. The squads biggest assets are all rounders Reily Hekure and Sakavai Gebai. Both have been in wonderful form in Australia. Consistent medium paces who bowl to a plan both are devastating on there given days and will round out a strong bowling line up. Now onto the batting. There's no hiding from the fact PNG will struggle with the bat however players like Gaudi Toka, Reily Hekure and keeper Tom Willie will have to stand up and score runs. A lot will rely on captain Dogodo Bau to score runs as he is the most experienced player in this line up and has the ability to score big. Finally PNG are coached by the wonderful John Ovia a man with great experience and a wonderful connection with the boys.
The first match against Scotland will show how far the Garramuts will go in this tournament regardless of the results in the wc, were all very proud of these boys and know they will represent PNG with great passion.
