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Papua New Guinea (PNG) have announced their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Veteran all-rounder Assad Vala will lead the side in the team’s second appearance in the T20 World Cup. Vala led PNG in the 2021 edition as well. Charles Amini will be his deputy for the mega tournament.
"The energy has been great within the team," Vala said. "For some of the boys who went to the last T20 World Cup, it's a different feeling now with a lot of the training, because the last time was during Covid and the preparation wasn't as good as what we're going through now. I am looking forward to this event because I know we are going to do well."
PNG’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad:
Assad Vala (c), Charles Amini (vc), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura
Changes from previous edition
10 out of the 15 players in the current squad played in the T20 World Cup 2021 as well. Jack Gardener was a reserve in the World Cup played in UAE and Oman. The four new players in the squad are Hila Vare, Alei Nao, John Kariko and Sema Kamea.
PNG high on confidence
PNG qualified for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies by topping the East Asia Pacific Qualifier last year. They did lose a single match in the tournament that featured Japan, Vanuatu and Philippines. They are high on confidence with a 2-0 series win over Malaysia. Earlier, they won the tri-series which featured Nepal and Hong Kong.
PNG to face two-time T20 World Cup champion
PNG have been placed in Group C alongside New Zealand, two-time T20 World Cup Champions and co-hosts West Indies, Afghanistan and Uganda. This is the first time Uganda have qualified for the T20 World Cup. PNG will have a chance to register their first win in T20 World Cup. They will start their campaign against Rovman Powell-led West Indies at Providence Stadium, Guyana on June 2.
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