The wait is finally over, and it is time for the blockbuster tournament to be played in West Indies and the USA. This is the start of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which has brought the top 20 teams from around the globe together in one place, and they will compete against each other to be the champions. This tournament will host 55 matches, which will be played in 9 different stadiums.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) will also be making their appearance in this tournament, having made their debut in 2021. This is only their second T20 World Cup in their cricket history. Star all-rounder Assad Vala will be captaining the team in this tournament. They are part of Group C and will be facing West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Uganda. So let’s do the SWOT analysis of PNG for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Squad: Assadollah Vala (captain), Charles Amini, Tony Ura, Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, Kabua Morea, Kipling Doriga, Sese Bau, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, John Kariko
PNG’s Strength for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
1. Dynamic Style of Play
Making their T20I debut in 2015, PNG have taken giant steps in this format. More than 100 teams play T20I cricket across the globe, and they even reached a ranking of 15 in the world. One of the main strengths of this side is their dynamic style, whether they are bowling or batting. They maintain the same rythym, which somehow breaks the momentum of the opposition. The team has enough veteran soldiers who know how to handle tough situations, which makes them a difficult opponents sometimes. Not to forget, they qualified for the T20 World Cup 2024 with six consecutive wins in the qualifying round.
2. In-form All-rounder
Assad Vala will be leading PNG in this competition. He himself is a top all-rounder. Then they have the likes of Sese Bau, Charles Amini, and Lega Siaka, who add value with both the bat and the ball. Unlike some other teams, they are equipped with match-winning all-rounders, which can make a big difference in the match.
PNG’s Weaknesses for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
1. Lack of Experience on Big stage
PNG also played in the T20 World Cup 2024, which was held in 2021, and it is their only second appearance. No matter how good you are, the pressure of playing on a big stage is totally different, and PNG don’t have that experience. That is one thing that is lacking, and they might crumble when they face big teams in their group. And whether you are fielding or batting, teams struggle under pressure.
2. Middle Order Woes
PNG have some really good top order batters who can take on any bowling attack. But their biggest worry is their middle order and lower middle order. They have the batting options until No. 7, but you can’t ask for consistency from them. If PNG can get runs from the top order, they can challenge any team, but if they lose some early wickets, then comes the worry of getting all out cheaply.
Threat for PNG in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
The biggest threat for PNG is the placement of the group stage. They are in the group where they will have to face three test-playing nations, West Indies, New Zealand, and Afghanistan. The fourth team is Uganda, which qualified for the T20 World Cup 2024 after beating teams like Zimbabwe and Kenya. However, PNG should look to play positive cricket because even a single win will be a big achievement for them.
Opportunities Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
PNG don’t have a settled cricket structure, and most of their players play part time cricket. But the T20 World Cup 2024 can be a big opportunity for the team and its players. If somehow they can show some impressive performance and get noticed, there are chances that they can gain international acknowledgement in the coming time.
Strongest Playing XI for PNG in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 (Predicted)
Lega Siaka, Tony Ura, Assad Vala (c), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Norman Vanua, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Alei Nao, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, Semo Kamea