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!
