As another year comes ever closer to finishing its time to look back at how PNG cricket fared in 2015. A whirlwind year that flew by and defiantly had its ups and downs. First and foremost a massive congratulations must go out to everyone involved in cricket PNG for another smooth and wonderful year for cricket in Papua New Guinea. To the administration, the coaches, volunteers and most importantly thank you for all your hard work!
Were do we start with so much happening this past year its hard to find a particular start point to kick off this year in review. The year has been somewhat of a disappointing on with a number of setbacks compared to previous seasons, however it was not all doom and gloom with a number of spectacular achievements as well. I spouse it is probably best to get the setbacks out of the way first and foremost to finish on a high. The U19 Garramuts had a year to forget firstly losing to Fiji in the EAP qualifier which meant loss of automatic qualification. However there was still a chance of making it to the WC through the WCQ recharge tournament in Malaysia. The u19s though were totally outplayed and finished dead bottom of the tournament coping some brutal losses, this is a worrying sign for PNG cricket as the U19s of the past have been generally strong and will be the future of the national side. Im sure preparation and changes have been put in place to insure this does not happen in the future.
The Lewas (Womens national team) had a better year then most would have expected. A silver medal at the 2015 Pacific games came as a shock to most as the Lewas had been the dominate side throughout the tournament but a heartbreaking loss in the final to Samoa put all this to bed. However the lewas still had the T20 WCQ in Thailand to look forward to. The lewas finished 5th in this tournament but won the plate final insuring some silverware for the ladies. A famous victory of the Netherlands will long be remembered by those involved in the side. To top the year of the Lewas captain Norma Ovasuru was sign to the Brisbane Heat for the very first Rebel womens big bash league. With more and more girls playing cricket in 2015 and the lewas doing so well hopefully we will see a stronger Lewas side for 2016, where they have a WCQ.
The PNG "A" side (the Aces) had their first year of competitive competition. A series against the Australian u19 side in Brisbane saw the side claim a spectacular victory in the first T20 match. But the big series was yet to come the 2015 Pacific Games. PNG had always claimed gold at the games but with the Barramundis in Ireland this made this years tougher then ever. Strong victories over Tonga and New Colidonia made for good viewing, however Vanuatu where to strong and eventually the boys claimed silver. The A team is a fantastic indicative and will only prepare these boys for when they have to step up into the Barramundis.
Before I get into the Barramundies a point should be made. Amini park also received a face lift this year with the government funding a revamped ground for the Pacific Games. It has now been 2 years since the Barras claimed ODI status. But what do they have to show for it 2 lonesome ODIs against Hong Kong and a handful of T20I's which were due to the Icc WT20Q in Ireland. I feel there is more that needs to be done here. ODI status does not last forever in fact this time next year PNG will only have it for another further year. Of course the administration is working tirelessly to get Amini Park upto ODI standard but ive heard this wont be at least until August 2016. However for now Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville is providing the goods.
Now onto the Barramundies. It was defiantly a year of ups and downs for the boys. Well start with the T20Q in Ireland. PNG failed to qualify for the WC following 4 straight wins including a famous victory over Ireland, PNG then lost to the lesser likes of Namibia and the USA before a final winner takes all showdown against Afghanistan a difficult 6 wicket loss ended the hopes of the side and with the World T20 now moving to every 4 years it will be a long time before the Barramundis get there chance again. It was not all doom and gloom for the year however, we saw the Barras claim a famous outright victory against the Netherlands in their first 4 day match of the ICC Intercontinental Cup followed by a first innings win against Afghanistan. A 2-0 series victory over Nepal in the ICC WCL Championship insured the Barras received much needed points to take them to 5th on the ladder, following a 0-2 loss to the Netherlands earlier in the year. A strong SACA Premier League campaign was also the highlight of the year with PNG finishing 3rd overall in a tournament the featured only 2 day and 1 day cricket. Youngster Hiri Hiri and Australian based Chad Soper made there debuts for Papua New Guinea the latter proving to be ever reliable with the ball.
Over all it has defiantly been a busy year for PNG cricket and 2016 is proving to be the same. 9 PNG players will represent EAP at the ACCC starting next week. The Barramundis will face Ireland in a sterling test in townsville before meeting Kenya and Namibia later next year. The ladies have a WCQ to attend and there is always something happening on the domestic front. Notable mentions must go to Mahuru Dai, Assad Vala and Norman Vanua who were without a doubt the clear standouts for PNG this year.
Its been another privilege to follow you men and women on whats been another spectacular year and heres to many more. Thank you
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Wednesday, 22 July 2015
PNG vs Afghanistan (winner takes all)
Well what can I say, another qualifier, another must win match!
PNG vs Afghanistan tomorrow in Ireland is that such situation! The Barras come into the match on the back off 2 straight losses however its no all doom and gloom, a win against Afghanistan will see the boys on the plane to India for the 2016 T20 WC.
Firstly lets not forget the heartache of the 2013 WCQ when the Barras fell agonizingly short against Hong Kong, the tears would flow the nation in mourning however the boys would go away work harder and achieve bigger and better things! All that hard work has been leading to this, to tomorrows game. All those hard training sessions, all that time away from family, all those balls hit and bowled. All off it leads to tomorrow!
2013 was when the Barras last played Afghanistan in the 2013 WCQ, going down to them on the very last ball off the game. A match many believe PNG would have won if the rain had not affected it.
This is not the same PNG side from 2013 though, this is a more professional, more clinical, more mentally and physically stronger PNG. This side will make the world cup.
Preview:
The favorites: Afghanistan come into the match as favorites, however this will be great for the barras as they are ore hungrier for the world cup! Afghanistan should and were expected to just top the group and qualify automatically. However poor losses to Oman and yesterday to Hong Kong means they will be down and out. Its all there for the taken the Barras can strike.
Key Points: Afghanistan have a strong bowling attack however they can leak runs, this will play right into the barras hands PNG love the ball flying onto the bat and then back over the fence. Afghanistan spinners are poor meaning the middle over PNG just need to tick the strike over this is were I think Vani Morea will be handy!
Afghanistan likewise though are boom or bust with the bat! its all or nothing for them! PNG need wickets and need to keep striking, the afghan boys will not hold back however I think an effective format would be to take the pace off the ball the spinners Mahuru Dai, Assad Vala and Charles Amini need to bowl alot of overs at the Afghans. A medium pacer like Chad Soper who was impressive against USA will be handy in the middle overs!
The fielding Afghanistan are notoriously slow fielders, PNG can turn 1s into 2s. and dots into 1s. If they push hard enough. This could make the different between a 130 score to a 160+/
Its no secret PNG dont chase well, we should look to bat first put a big total on the board and seriously bat Afghanistan out of the game! Lega is due for runs whilst Tony, Assad and Kila have all shown signs of form.
Prediction: Without a doubt in my mind the Barras are going to take this. Afghanistan are down and out and have been poor in Ireland. PNG are hungry for this they are going to take this I can tell! The underdogs! This is not the Barras of the Past they will take it!
PNG by 35 runs or 8 wickets!
Final Note: Everyone should be so proud of the Barras achievements this tournament! There without a doubt the most enjoyable side to watch in the world, so much exictment and flair. Good luck boys and I already know im going to see you guys in India!
PNG vs Afghanistan tomorrow in Ireland is that such situation! The Barras come into the match on the back off 2 straight losses however its no all doom and gloom, a win against Afghanistan will see the boys on the plane to India for the 2016 T20 WC.
Firstly lets not forget the heartache of the 2013 WCQ when the Barras fell agonizingly short against Hong Kong, the tears would flow the nation in mourning however the boys would go away work harder and achieve bigger and better things! All that hard work has been leading to this, to tomorrows game. All those hard training sessions, all that time away from family, all those balls hit and bowled. All off it leads to tomorrow!
2013 was when the Barras last played Afghanistan in the 2013 WCQ, going down to them on the very last ball off the game. A match many believe PNG would have won if the rain had not affected it.
This is not the same PNG side from 2013 though, this is a more professional, more clinical, more mentally and physically stronger PNG. This side will make the world cup.
Preview:
The favorites: Afghanistan come into the match as favorites, however this will be great for the barras as they are ore hungrier for the world cup! Afghanistan should and were expected to just top the group and qualify automatically. However poor losses to Oman and yesterday to Hong Kong means they will be down and out. Its all there for the taken the Barras can strike.
Key Points: Afghanistan have a strong bowling attack however they can leak runs, this will play right into the barras hands PNG love the ball flying onto the bat and then back over the fence. Afghanistan spinners are poor meaning the middle over PNG just need to tick the strike over this is were I think Vani Morea will be handy!
Afghanistan likewise though are boom or bust with the bat! its all or nothing for them! PNG need wickets and need to keep striking, the afghan boys will not hold back however I think an effective format would be to take the pace off the ball the spinners Mahuru Dai, Assad Vala and Charles Amini need to bowl alot of overs at the Afghans. A medium pacer like Chad Soper who was impressive against USA will be handy in the middle overs!
The fielding Afghanistan are notoriously slow fielders, PNG can turn 1s into 2s. and dots into 1s. If they push hard enough. This could make the different between a 130 score to a 160+/
Its no secret PNG dont chase well, we should look to bat first put a big total on the board and seriously bat Afghanistan out of the game! Lega is due for runs whilst Tony, Assad and Kila have all shown signs of form.
Prediction: Without a doubt in my mind the Barras are going to take this. Afghanistan are down and out and have been poor in Ireland. PNG are hungry for this they are going to take this I can tell! The underdogs! This is not the Barras of the Past they will take it!
PNG by 35 runs or 8 wickets!
Final Note: Everyone should be so proud of the Barras achievements this tournament! There without a doubt the most enjoyable side to watch in the world, so much exictment and flair. Good luck boys and I already know im going to see you guys in India!
Thursday, 25 June 2015
Barras T20 WCQ Preview
July marks another big month for the PNG Barramundis. The T20 WCQ to be held in both Ireland and Scotland is the pinnacle event for Assoicate and Affiliate nations and even more special this year with Star Sports to broadcast a number of matches around the world, (PNG has got 3 games telecasted).
Firstly lets have a look at the PNG squad and the sides they will be playing against in their group.
PNG Barramundis: Jack Vare (c/wk), Assad Vala (v/c), Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, Vani Morea, Sese Bau, Mahuru Dai, Charles Amini, Kila Pala, Chad Soper, Norman Vanua, Willie Gavera, Loa Nou, Pipi Raho and John Reva.
A few changes from the last T20 WCQ which was way back in November 2013 in Dubai UAE. The two big noticable differences are the losses of experienced heads in former Captain Chris Amini and former England Test player Geriant Jones. The only other changes from the last qualifier include Andrew Hicks and Chris Kent missing out. Lega Siaka, Chad Soper and Loa Nou all come in for there first T20 WCQ.
Crunch matches will include Hong Kong, Namibia and Nepal. Wins against these sides should leapfrog the Barramundis into WC contention.
As we have seen the past 2 weeks PNG has played the Netherlands in the ICC Interocnital cup (4 day) and ICC WCL championships (50 over) matches. The boys came away from this tour with mixed results with an historic victory in their first 4 day game but back to back losses in the 2 50 over matches. Head coach Dipak Patel said there was work to be done before the WCQ following these losses. As part of the preperation for the T20 WCQ the Barras now head to England to play matches against county sides Worcestershire and Gloucestershire (Geriant Jones's club). Hopefully this will put the players in good stead for the qualifier.
Conditions in Europe are a lot different to those in PNG and Australia, however they can be compared to New Zealand. The ball will do alot of swinging however there wont be much pace on offer, batsman will have to be prepared to face variable bounce often staying a bit lower and slower.
Dipak Patel faces some welcomed selection headaches ahead of the first match against Jersey. The
batting side of things has seen all players get a run against the Netherlands. The likely line up would see Tony Ura opening up with Lega Siaka although Kila Pala would be a handy opener in T20 cricket. Assad Vala looks cemented at 3 meaning 4,5,6 become selection headaches, all depending on the make up of the side. Vani Morea, Mahuru Dai, Charles Amini, Sese Bau and Kila Pala will be fighting it out for these positions. Mahuru and Charles both provide spin options aswell meaning it might push them into the starting 11. Jack Vare will most likely bat 7 as he is the keeper meaning PNG will play 4 quicks. John Reva and Chad Sopers are medium pace allrounders. Whilst the fast bowlers will consist of Norman Vanua, Willie Gavera, Loa Nou and Pipi Raho. Realistically one of the 2 allrounders will play whilst 3 frontline quicks will make up the attack.
Therefore PNG's likely starting line up will be :
1. Tony Ura 2. Lega Siaka 3. Assad Vala 4. Vani Morea/Sese Bau 5. Mahuru Dai 6. Charles Amini/Kila Pala 7. Jack Vare 8. Chad Soper/John Reva 9. Norman Vanua 10. Willie Gavera 11.Loa Nou/Pipi Raho.
The tournament is really what PNG have been building for since gaining ODI status and many believe qualifying for the WC this will be the next step in there development. Having fallen agonizingly short at the last qualifier the boys will be hungrier and ready to take this tournament by storm!
Prediction: PNG will finish in the Top 6 and make the World Cup! how far they go in this tournament is upto them. This is PNGs time! After fallen short twice this is there time to shine. Go the Barras .
Firstly lets have a look at the PNG squad and the sides they will be playing against in their group.
PNG Barramundis: Jack Vare (c/wk), Assad Vala (v/c), Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, Vani Morea, Sese Bau, Mahuru Dai, Charles Amini, Kila Pala, Chad Soper, Norman Vanua, Willie Gavera, Loa Nou, Pipi Raho and John Reva.
A few changes from the last T20 WCQ which was way back in November 2013 in Dubai UAE. The two big noticable differences are the losses of experienced heads in former Captain Chris Amini and former England Test player Geriant Jones. The only other changes from the last qualifier include Andrew Hicks and Chris Kent missing out. Lega Siaka, Chad Soper and Loa Nou all come in for there first T20 WCQ.
PNG has been placed in Group A along side Ireland, Hong Kong, Nepal, USA, Jersey and Namibia.
The Barramundis are expected to finish in the top 4 in this group, PNG has defeated every country in this group before in T20 or international cricket (excluding Jersey as they have never played each other).Crunch matches will include Hong Kong, Namibia and Nepal. Wins against these sides should leapfrog the Barramundis into WC contention.
As we have seen the past 2 weeks PNG has played the Netherlands in the ICC Interocnital cup (4 day) and ICC WCL championships (50 over) matches. The boys came away from this tour with mixed results with an historic victory in their first 4 day game but back to back losses in the 2 50 over matches. Head coach Dipak Patel said there was work to be done before the WCQ following these losses. As part of the preperation for the T20 WCQ the Barras now head to England to play matches against county sides Worcestershire and Gloucestershire (Geriant Jones's club). Hopefully this will put the players in good stead for the qualifier.
Conditions in Europe are a lot different to those in PNG and Australia, however they can be compared to New Zealand. The ball will do alot of swinging however there wont be much pace on offer, batsman will have to be prepared to face variable bounce often staying a bit lower and slower.
Dipak Patel faces some welcomed selection headaches ahead of the first match against Jersey. The
batting side of things has seen all players get a run against the Netherlands. The likely line up would see Tony Ura opening up with Lega Siaka although Kila Pala would be a handy opener in T20 cricket. Assad Vala looks cemented at 3 meaning 4,5,6 become selection headaches, all depending on the make up of the side. Vani Morea, Mahuru Dai, Charles Amini, Sese Bau and Kila Pala will be fighting it out for these positions. Mahuru and Charles both provide spin options aswell meaning it might push them into the starting 11. Jack Vare will most likely bat 7 as he is the keeper meaning PNG will play 4 quicks. John Reva and Chad Sopers are medium pace allrounders. Whilst the fast bowlers will consist of Norman Vanua, Willie Gavera, Loa Nou and Pipi Raho. Realistically one of the 2 allrounders will play whilst 3 frontline quicks will make up the attack.
Therefore PNG's likely starting line up will be :
1. Tony Ura 2. Lega Siaka 3. Assad Vala 4. Vani Morea/Sese Bau 5. Mahuru Dai 6. Charles Amini/Kila Pala 7. Jack Vare 8. Chad Soper/John Reva 9. Norman Vanua 10. Willie Gavera 11.Loa Nou/Pipi Raho.
The tournament is really what PNG have been building for since gaining ODI status and many believe qualifying for the WC this will be the next step in there development. Having fallen agonizingly short at the last qualifier the boys will be hungrier and ready to take this tournament by storm!
Prediction: PNG will finish in the Top 6 and make the World Cup! how far they go in this tournament is upto them. This is PNGs time! After fallen short twice this is there time to shine. Go the Barras .
Friday, 10 April 2015
The Knocks that changed PNG cricket.
August 3rd 2011. Its a cold windy day in Strabane in Northern Ireland. The PNG Garramuts are contesting in the U19 CWC qualifier vying for one of the the six spots on offer to progress to the 2012 u19 CWC in Australia. Struggling with just one win from four matches so far, things aren't looking much better in today's match against Kenya. The Garramuts batting first have slumped to 7/90 and are looking at being bowled for a below par score.
A youngster by the name of Toua Tom who still floats around cricket fields in Port Moresby strides to the wicket with nothing expected of him. Kenya can already sense a victory and shortly take the wicket of Albert Geita to leave PNG at 8/106. A tall wily haired fast bowler named Raymond Haoda strides out and with Toua they being to form a partnership however Raymond soon departs for 10 leaving the Garramuts at 9/137.
What happens next is the knock that saves PNG cricket and starts its incredible rise to ODI status and beyond. Toua Tom the number 9 blasts an incredible 82 runs from just 86 balls including 4 fours and 4 sixes. The Garramuts rally to 9/204 from 50 overs, number 11 Alei Nao scores just 7 runs but is involved in a last wicket stand of 67 runs. Leaving Kenya deflated, the Garramuts have found some energy and inspiration.
PNG with their new found energy come to the party and bowl Kenya out for just 138 runs, funnily enough one more run then when Alei Nao strode to the wicket. Toua opens the bowling and claims 1/20 from his 6 overs. Future Barramundies Norman Vanua and Chris Kent take 3 wickets each. PNG have now claimed their 2nd victory in the tournament and go on to win to heavily defeat Vanuatu in their next match leaving them with 3 wins and 3 losses.
3 days later its battle time again the Garramuts are taking on Canada who batting first boast a massive total off 261 from their 50 overs. Youngster Nitesh Kumar scores 150. The Garramuts are down and out. Struggling at 3/13 its looks all but over for PNG.
Captain and Future Barramundi player Chris Kent is at the wicket. The leading run scorer for the tournament PNG need something special from him. He deliverers an incredible knock of 166 not out. From just 131 balls including 21 fours and 2 sixies. The garramuts make it home by 4 wickets with 2 balls remaining. Chris stills plays cricket today in Brisbane whilst representing PNG A recently.
They go on to lose to Nepal but dismantle Ireland in the final round. Finishing 5th and qualifying for the 2012 U19 CWC in Australia. Without these special knocks from Toua Tom and Chris Kent PNG would never have made it to the WC and future stars like Charles Amini, Norman Vanua, and Lega Siaka might never have made it to the national side. Without them PNG might never have made it to ODI status and beyond.
These knocks are what started it all 4 long years ago, of course there has been other notable knocks since then including Lega Siaka's efforts in New Zealand. But on those cold windy days in Ireland who would have thought that it would produce something special, something that changed a nation.
A youngster by the name of Toua Tom who still floats around cricket fields in Port Moresby strides to the wicket with nothing expected of him. Kenya can already sense a victory and shortly take the wicket of Albert Geita to leave PNG at 8/106. A tall wily haired fast bowler named Raymond Haoda strides out and with Toua they being to form a partnership however Raymond soon departs for 10 leaving the Garramuts at 9/137.
What happens next is the knock that saves PNG cricket and starts its incredible rise to ODI status and beyond. Toua Tom the number 9 blasts an incredible 82 runs from just 86 balls including 4 fours and 4 sixes. The Garramuts rally to 9/204 from 50 overs, number 11 Alei Nao scores just 7 runs but is involved in a last wicket stand of 67 runs. Leaving Kenya deflated, the Garramuts have found some energy and inspiration.
PNG with their new found energy come to the party and bowl Kenya out for just 138 runs, funnily enough one more run then when Alei Nao strode to the wicket. Toua opens the bowling and claims 1/20 from his 6 overs. Future Barramundies Norman Vanua and Chris Kent take 3 wickets each. PNG have now claimed their 2nd victory in the tournament and go on to win to heavily defeat Vanuatu in their next match leaving them with 3 wins and 3 losses.
3 days later its battle time again the Garramuts are taking on Canada who batting first boast a massive total off 261 from their 50 overs. Youngster Nitesh Kumar scores 150. The Garramuts are down and out. Struggling at 3/13 its looks all but over for PNG.
They go on to lose to Nepal but dismantle Ireland in the final round. Finishing 5th and qualifying for the 2012 U19 CWC in Australia. Without these special knocks from Toua Tom and Chris Kent PNG would never have made it to the WC and future stars like Charles Amini, Norman Vanua, and Lega Siaka might never have made it to the national side. Without them PNG might never have made it to ODI status and beyond.
These knocks are what started it all 4 long years ago, of course there has been other notable knocks since then including Lega Siaka's efforts in New Zealand. But on those cold windy days in Ireland who would have thought that it would produce something special, something that changed a nation.
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