T20 World Cup 2024: Papua New Guinea Announce Experienced 15-Member Squad For Second Appearance

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Papua New Guinea has stuck to experience as they announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to be held in the United States and West Indies in June.

Papua New Guinea, who make their second appearance at the T20 World Cup, has retained 10 players that featured in their maiden appearance in 2021. Assad Vala will continue to lead the side after they booked their berth via the East Asia-Pacific regional final in July 2023.

Leg-spinning all-rounder CJ Amini will serve as deputy to Vala as vice-captain, while a reserve member in the 2021 edition, Jack Gardner has this time been picked in the 15-player group.

Papua New Guinea went unbeaten in qualifying for the event, winning six matches on the bounce on home soil to brush aside challengers Japan, Vanuatu and the Philippines in the regional final.

Recently-appointed head coach and ex-Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu has rewarded the bulk of the squad that secured qualification with a seat on the plane to the West Indies.

Fourteen members of the qualifying group have been selected, with 2021 T20 World Cup player Chad Soper back in the squad after impressing in recent action, most notably on tours to Malaysia and Oman.

Young left-arm orthodox spinner John Kariko is the youngest player in the group, and has experience in West Indies conditions via Papua New Guinea's appearance at the U19 World Cup in 2022, taking a five-wicket haul against Uganda.

The side boast no fewer than eight recognised all-rounders, with both right and left-arm bowling options. Left-arm quick Sema Kamea and Kabua Vagi Morea both enjoyed qualifying action, with the latter taking a hat-trick in qualifying against the Phillipines.

Papua New Guinea begin their campaign with a tough first-up encounter with hosts West Indies on June 2, before meeting Uganda on June 5 with both sides likely hunting their first ever victory at the tournament.

The Barramundis face Afghanistan on June 13 before taking on East Asia-Pacific heavyweights New Zealand to round out group stage action. Here is a look at their squad for the tournament:

Papua New Guinea T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Assadollah Vala (captain), CJ Amini (vice captain), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura.