T20 World Cup 2024: 3 key players to watch out for from Papua New Guinea 

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is set to make its second appearance in the T20 World Cup, competing in the forthcoming edition hosted by the West Indies and the USA. The team comprises experienced players, a factor that is expected to play a crucial role in their performance. In their previous T20 World Cup outing in 2021, PNG failed to secure a victory.  

However, they are determined to improve upon their previous performance in the upcoming edition. Having clinched victory in all six matches of the East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers, they earned their spot in the tournament comfortably. The T20 World Cup 2024 presents PNG with a significant opportunity to enhance their cricketing achievements. Retaining 10 players from their previous T20 World Cup campaign, PNG aims to build on their experience and make a mark in the tournament. Let us look at three key players for PNG; 

Tony Ura 

Tony Ura is set to play a pivotal role of opening partner alongside Assad Vala in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Ura is known for his aggressive batting style, particularly capitalizing on powerplay restrictions. Additionally, he contributes as a part-time wicketkeeper. Notably, he emerged as the second highest run-scorer in the East Asia Pacific Qualifiers last year, also claiming the title of PNG’s highest run-scorer. With an impressive track record in T20I cricket, Ura is considered one of the key players in the PNG squad, entrusted with the task of providing formidable starts to his team. 

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: 3 key players to watch out for from USA  

Charles Amini 

Hailing from a cricketing family, Charles Amini brings a wealth of talent to the field. Renowned for his versatile skills, Amini occupies a pivotal role in the middle order and doubles as a proficient leg-spinner, a quality particularly valuable in the Caribbean conditions. At 32 years old, Amini showcased remarkable form in PNG’s recent T20I series in Malaysia, held in March 2024. Emerging as the highest run-scorer in the series with an impressive tally of 124 runs across 2 matches, he also made significant contributions with the ball, claiming 4 wickets. As the team’s vice-captain, Amini is entrusted with the responsibility of delivering consistent performances both with the bat and ball. 

Assad Vala 

Assad Vala, leading Papua New Guinea in the T20 World Cup 2024, brings a wealth of experience to the team, offering contributions with both bat and ball. Vala emerged as PNG’s second highest run-scorer in the East Asia Pacific Qualifiers held last year. As a left-handed batter, he excels in building innings and possesses the capability to post substantial scores. Additionally, Vala showcases his skills as a proficient off-spinner. With this potentially being his final T20 World Cup appearance, he is determined to leave a lasting impression on the tournament.