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[Saba Sports News] Assad Vala has been chosen to captain Papua New Guinea’s 15-member team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. This marks Vala’s second captaincy at the World Cup, having led the team in the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman.
Charles Amini will serve as vice-captain in a squad that retains 10 players from three years ago. New additions include Jack Gardener, who was a reserve in 2021, along with Hila Vare, Alei Nao, John Kariko, and Sema Kamea.
The full squad includes: 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.
Vala expressed optimism about the team’s preparation compared to the last World Cup, which was marred by Covid disruptions. “The energy has been great within the team…I am looking forward to this event because I know we are going to do well,” he said.
PNG secured their spot in the World Cup by winning the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier last year. They are placed in Group C, which includes co-hosts West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Uganda.