PNG to play Netherlands in ICC Intercontinental Cup

Papua New Guinea is ready to face home team The Netherlands in the International Cricket Council four-day first-class Intercontinental Cup 2015-17 today in Amsterdam.

This is PNG Barramundis’ latest exciting chapter in its cricket history as it makes its debut in the Intercontinental Cup.

Organised competitions have been played since the 1950s and PNG became an associate member of the ICC in 1973.

The ICC Intercontinental Cup is a pathway to Test cricket. Countries taking part include Ireland, Namibia, Scotland, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates.

The side that wins the eight-team round-robin tournament spread over two years will play the 10th-ranked side on the Reliance ICC Test Team Rankings in the four-match ICC Test Challenge during 2018.

If the associate member wins the series, to be played on a home and away basis, then it will become the 11th Test nation.

Tuesday’s game will mark the Netherlands seventh appearance in the Intercontinental Cup. In all, it has played 26 matches, winning four, losing 14 and drawing eight.

According to ICC official website, this will be the final match of the first round, which earlier saw Namibia defeat Hong Kong and Ireland earn 20 maximum points against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The match between former champions – Scotland and Afghanistan – was marred by poor weather but Scotland still managed to claim 13 points against Afghanistan’s seven after only one innings was completed.

PNG squad is: Jack Vare-Kevere (captain), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Mahuru Dai, Willie Gavera, Loa Nou, Kila Pala, Pipi Raho, John Boge Reva, Lega Siaka, Chad Soper, Tony Ura, Vani Vagi Morea, Assadollah Vala, Norman Vanua

Author: 
qnaime