4 Jul 2011

Sport: Opponents in agreement - Barramundi's the team to beat

10:15 am on 4 July 2011

Papua New Guinea are the undisputed hot favourites heading into the East Asia Pacific Division One cricket tournament, which begins in Port Moresby today.

The Barramundi's are top ranked side in the region and were recently promoted to World Cricket League Two in the 50-over format, giving them a ranking of 19th in the world.

They're hosting this week's Division One Twenty 20 tournament, which also features Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and Japan.

Fiji all-rounder Imran Khan is making his first international appearance in six years at the tournament after previously focusing on playing and working in the United States.

He says the Fiji team have a good blend of youth and experience but he accepts that PNG deserve the favourites tag.

"From the record it would have to be Papua New Guinea because they performed really well. They've pushed themselves all the way up until division three so they'll be out biggest rivals in terms of the competition based on current world standings."

Imran Khan says despite the challenge posed by the likes of the Barramundi's Fiji still wont be satisfied unless they win the tournament.

The winner progresses to a final qualifying event in Dubai for the Twenty 20 World Cup.