ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup places up for grabs
The Pepsi ICC EAP U/19 Cricket Trophy 2009 is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested regional tournaments in recent memory.
PNG are the favourites to top the table at the finish after competing in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2008, however they will have to face strong competition from many, particularly Vanuatu who were placed second in the last U/19 Regional Tournament. Fiji's preparation has been sound and it will be looking to keep improving, while Indonesia and Japan will also be pressing to finish in one of the two coveted qualifying positions.
PNG will aim to rely on the explosive pace and bounce of star opening bowler Raymond Haoda Jnr to do the damage with the ball, while the dangerous hard-hitting batsman Tony Ura will be out to get the PNG Garamuts off to some flying starts at the top of the order.
The Vanuatu U/19 team has had an excellent preparation, with several U/19 representatives just recently competed in the senior national team's victory over Fiji. There are also big expectations from skipper Simpson Obed, both as a middle order batsman and an accurate off-spinner, while young gun Patrick Matautaava will be exciting to watch with both bat and ball.
Fiji has some real talent within its squad, and will be pressing for a top two finish with the likes of wicket-keeper batsman Maciu Babiau Gauna vital in the middle order, while fast bowler Tukana Tavo will be looking to impose himself on this tournament with some early wickets and middle-order runs.
On the back of Indonesia's successive ICC Global Development Awards for their renowned Junior Development Program, expectations will be high for a solid performance. With the experience of paceman Putra Dharmawan and the class of middle order batsman Eki Antaria, the Indonesians will be pushing for a top two position.
Japan, under the guidance of head coach Yuma Shimizu, will be endeavouring to climb up the rankings with some impressive performances. Leg-spinner Raheel Kano will be looking to establish himself as a quality bowler in the middle overs, and will be handy with the bat in the middle order, while Takumi Nomura will be key for the Japanese at the top of the innings and keeping wickets.
2009 Pepsi ICC EAP U/19 Cricket Trophy details:
When: 31st May to 6th June 2009
Where: Amini Park & Colts Grounds, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Who: Participating teams are Papua New Guinea, Japan, Fiji, Vanuatu & Indonesia.
What is at stake: The top two ranked teams from this tournament will progress to the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup
Qualifier Event scheduled for September 2009. The top five ranked teams from this event then go on to play in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup to be held in Kenya in February 2010.
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