Papua New Guinea cricket coach Dipak Patel says Thursday's encounter with the United Arab Emirates will be a valuable measure of where they stand in the international arena.
The UAE are touring Australia and New Zealand as part of their preparations for the World Cup in those countries in February and March of next year.
The Arab nation earned a second World Cup appearance by finishing runners-up at a qualifying tournament at the start of the year, with PNG coming fourth at the same event.
Dipak Patel says the UAE will be a welcome test for his players.
"We put a lot more emphasis on this game. I see that being the catalyst of this particular trip to Darwin and to see where we are at as far as international cricket is concerned. Any games that we can get against these internationals teams that are travelling towards New Zealand and Australia is a huge bonus."
Meanwhile the United Arab Emirates warmed up for the clash with a comfortable four wicket win over Northern Territory in Darwin.
The hosts were bowled out for 202 in the 45th over before UAE reached their target with 38 balls to spare.
