Final Teams Arrive in Auckland
Indonesia, Japan, PNG and the Cook Islands have all checked in to the team hotel and joined Vanuatu, Samoa and Fiji in preparation for the 2013 Pepsi ICC East Asia-Pacific Men's Championship that begins in Auckland tomorrow.
Japan touched down with high hopes after a strong performance to finish third last September at the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 8 event in Samoa.
However their squad has been weakened in recent times due to the unavailability of key players including wicketkeeper/batsman and captain Tatsuro Chino.
The marginally new look side in New Zealand will be captained by in form batsman Alex Patmore who is confident his side can cover the loss of some important players.
"It's a slightly different look to the team in Samoa, a bit younger which will be a great learning experience for the team but we are still confident of being competitive out here," he said.
Indonesia enters the event as the lowest ranked team after a disappointing performance at the equivalent tournament in Samoa in 2011.
The underdog tag sits well with their vice-captain Rizky Tri Rubbi however who sees this tournament as a great opportunity for his side to gain valuable international experience.
"We've brought with us a pretty young squad and it is really exciting to have the ICC EAP give us the opportunity to come to a place like New Zealand and play cricket," he said.
The Cook Islands are relishing the opportunity to test their side against the best teams in the region with this tournament providing the first opportunity for them to play international competition against the four EAP associate member countries since 2009.
"It is really exciting (to play the associate teams)," said Cook Islands player Manu Emile. "The boys have trained really hard for the last year or so and have set ourselves high standards."
The Cook Islands finished 3rd at the EAP Senior Men's Division 2 event in 2011 paying the price for a slow start to the tournament.
However with an even stronger preparation and some experienced heads in the team they can be expected to hit the ground running from the opening round at this event.
With a current world T20 ranking of 18, PNG enter the event as heavy favourites.
Boasting a squad mixed with youth and experience anything short of victory at this event would be considered catastrophic for the regional powerhouse.
"We obviously respect every other team here very much, but at the same time we are confident that if we stick to our plans and what we practice we will get the job done," said PNG captain Chris Amini.
Assad Vala and Tony Ura will again be players to watch for PNG as they come off hugely successful Australian Country Cricket Championship campaigns that raised more than a few eyebrows in Australian cricket circles.
All games will be played at Waikaraka Park in Auckland with morning matches beginning at 10:30am.