After crushing the Philippines in the ongoing East Asia Pacific Qualifier on Friday, Papua New Guinea guaranteed their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The hosts of the competition, Papua New Guinea, entered the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier as the favorites, and they proved it there by consistently dominating. Leading by Assad Vala, the hosts have kept up their strong play, winning all five of their games thus far—twice against Vanuatu, once each against the Philippines and Japan.
With their latest win against the Philippines, the PNG now have 10 points from five wins, which resulted in a confirmed place in the 2024 T20 World Cup with still one game to go, against Japan, on Saturday, July 29.
The PNG began their qualification dream with a dominant win against Vanuatu. The 19-year-old John Kariko led the bowling attack with a Player of the Match-worthy effort of 3/6, restricting Vanuatu to 71/8. The tournament hosts chased down the target in just 6.3 overs, sealing a comfortable nine-wicket win.
In their next clash, PNG made headlines against the Philippines, with Kabua Morea’s breathtaking five-wicket haul which also featured a hat-trick. After opting to bat, PNG posted a competitive 162/7. Morea wreaked havoc with his spell of 5/9 as the Philippines crumbled for 45.
In the following two games, they defeated Japan and Vanuatu with ease, winning by six wickets and 39 runs, respectively. This extended their winning streak.
PNG once again demonstrated their talent in their most recent match against the Philippines on Friday, cruising to a 100-run victory in Port Moresby. The hosts’ enormous score of 229/6 in their 20 overs was made possible by an outstanding 118-run opening combination.
The PNG bowlers limited the Philippines to 129/7 in order to qualify, but the goal proved to be too high for them.
