Massive blow for PNG cricket team

In a massive blow for the Hebou PNG Barramundis, Alei Nao has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC WT20 East-Asia-Pacific Qualifier ‘A’ in Suva, Fiji due to injury.

Hebou Barramundis’ opening bowler, Nao, suffered a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament on 16th August during warm-up at a training session in Brisbane.

Nao will go in for surgery this Thursday, 23rd August, in Brisbane and will be ruled out from playing cricket for at least 12 months.

Simon Atai has been officially announced as Nao’s replacement and flew into Brisbane on Friday to join his teammates in preparation for the ICC WT20 EAP Qualifier. This means that Atai and Steven Eno have an opportunity to become the 119th and 120th Barramundis to receive a “Baggy Black” Cap if they both manage to make their debuts (daybyus) in Fiji.

The Hebou PNG Barramundis will play Samoa, Vanuatu and hosts Fiji twice in T20 matches, starting with the opening match against Samoa on Saturday 25th August.

The top two teams at the end of the tournament will advance to the ICC WT20 EAP Regional finals in early 2019.  

HEBOU PNG Barramundis Squad

  1. Assad Vala (Captain)
  2. Charles Amini Jnr (Vice-Captain)
  3. Lega Siaka
  4. Tony Ura
  5. Sese Bau
  6. Jason Kila
  7. Damien Ravu
  8. John Boge Reva
  9. Simon Atai (replaces Alei Nao)
  10. Nosaina Pokana
  11. Norman Vanua
  12. Kipling Doriga
  13. Chad Soper
  14. Steven Eno

Schedule

Saturday 25th August, 2018                        

9:30am Hebou PNG Barramundis vs Samoa

1:30pm                Hebou PNG Barramundis vs Fiji

 

Sunday 26th August, 2018

1:30pm Hebou PNG Barramundis vs Vanuatu

 

Tuesday 28th August, 2018

9:30am           Hebou PNG Barramundis vs Samoa

1:30pm            Hebou PNG Barramundis vs Fiji

 

Wednesday 29th August, 2018

1:30pm            Hebou PNG Barramundis vs Vanuatu

(Alei Nao filepic)

Author: 
Press release