The Papua New Guinea cricket team has arrived in Ireland ahead of the World T20 Qualifier and determined to make the tournament they missed out on last year.
The PNG Barramundi's cricket team in the Netherlands. Photo: Supplied
The PNG Barramundis are in Pool A with Nepal, Hong Kong, Namibia, USA, Jersey and hosts Ireland.
Fresh from their impressive Intercontinental Cup debut against the Netherlands last month, the Barramundis will be aiming to convert its form from the longer format to T20 cricket.
Wicketkeeper Jack Vare will lead the team having played in 18 T20 Internationals for his country.
Eight of the 14 teams have participated in the main competition, with Canada, Namibia, PNG, USA, Oman and Jersey (in its debut outing in the World T20 Qualifier) hoping to make it for the first time.
"The World Cricket League matches were a great learning curve for our players in many aspects," said head coach Dipak Patel.
"The squad is under no illusion that we are still learning to be more competitive and we touchdown in Ireland in a positive mood knowing we have a lot of hard work ahead of us."
The top six sides from the 18-day tournament, during which 51 matches will be played, will join the 10 full members for the World Twenty20 India 2016, which will be held from March 11 to April 3, next year.
