Well we are now under 2 weeks away until history is made. Exciting times are ahead for not only PNG cricket but also for the country of Papua New Guinea in general. Amini Park in Port Moresby will host its first ICC sanctioned international event with Kenya visiting the country to play two 50 over international matches against the Barras as part of the ICC WCL Championships round 3.
First and foremost lets take a look at the squad:
1. Jack Vare (c, w/k) 2. Assad Vala (v/c) 3. Vani vagi Morea 4. Lega Siaka 5. Mahuru Dai 6. Charles Amini Jnr 7. Hiri Hiri 8. Norman Vanua 9. Nosiana Pokana 10. Alei Nao 11. Pipi Raho 12. Chad Soper 13. John Reva 14. Sese Bau Reserves: Vagi Boko, Jason Kila, Damien Ravu and Gaudi Toka.
There is a few changes from the squad that took on Ireland earlier this year. Firstly Tony Ura is out after having surgery on a shoulder injury, whilst Loa Nou has been overlooked for selection. The new face is Alei Nao a young right arm fast bowler , whilst experienced pace man Pipi Raho returns to the side. The first thing that jumps out in this squad is the inexperience (at international level). Youngsters Hiri Hiri, Nosiana Pokana and Chad Soper only made there debuts late last year or early this year, whilst Alei Nao is uncapped. This is however due to forced changes with Tony Ura (injury), Willie Gavera (Injury) and Kila Pala (Personal) all unavailable for selection.
Probable Line up: The squad posses 5 specialist batsman, 5 fast bowlers and 4 all rounders.
1. Vani Vagi Morea 2. Lega Siaka 3. Assad Vala 4. Sese Bau 5. Mahuru Dai 6. CJ Amini 7. Jack Vare 8. John Reva 9. Norman Vanua 10. Chad Soper 11. Nosiana Pokana
This would mean Pipi Raho, Alei Nao and Hiri Hiri miss out
The Ground/Conditions: Little is known of Amini Park and this will certainly seem alien to the visiting Kenyans. PNG allrounder Mahuru Dai had this to say about the pitches we might see during these matches “Amini Park is best suited for spinners because it’s a bit lower and slow, so the ball tends to grip for the spinners and you can get good turn,” he said. PNG is well equipet is this is the case with Dai (off spin) Assad Vala (off spin) Hiri Hiri (off spin) and CJ Amini (leg spin) all regular spinning options. Being hosts also gives the PNG boys a big advantage, week in week out matches on the Amini Park surface will equip the locals with much needed knowledge.
Where PNG win it: First and foremost knowledge of the conditions that Amini Park equipts. Home ground advantage especially in cricket is critical, also with this being the the first international match in front of family and friends will surely give the players that extra drive to go one better. In cricket terms PNG's biggest advantage is the amount of all rounders in the starting 11. Assad Vala, Mahuru Dai, Sese Bau, CJ Amini and John Reva can all do the job effectively with both bat all ball, this gives PNG plenty of bowling options plus batting deep.
Where PNG lose it: Its no secret that PNG has struggled with the bat over the past 12 months or so. With the exception of Assad Vala and Mahuru Dai the middle order has particularity struggled. This is something the Kenyans will target the barras middle order will have to stand up.
The X Factor: PNG has a number of potential X-Factors within the squad. Weather that be the destructive batting of Lega Siaka, the calm presence of Assad Vala or the crafty abilities of Mahuru Dai. PNG has a number of players that can turn a match on its head. If gone with two not one players who potential could be the difference. The first is Norman Vanua. Norman has been the standout bowler for the Barramundies over the last year or so,constant wickets up front and quality at the death he has really lead the attack, also PNG's fastest bowler. As we've also seen his more then handy with the bat down the order to. The 2nd player is big Nosiana Pokana. "Nos" made his debut early this year against Ireland and didn't disappoint in the matches he played. As something difference being a tall left armer iv'e gone with him as the second X-Factor if he and Norman can start the Barras off well it will go a long way to PNG winning.
The Final Word: I find it hard to see PNG losing either of these matches on home soil, with Kenya having never experienced PNG before it will certainly seem alien to them. Kenya do posses a strong squad that has experience at the highest level in the WC, they can not be underestimated. But with this being the first "international" matches at Amini Park in front of family and friends, with solid training and preparation i only see this going the way of the Barras. Good luck boys.
