Squads Named for Pepsi ICC EAP Div 1
The five participating teams in the Pepsi ICC East-Asia Pacific Division 1 tournament to be held in Port Moresby PNG from 4-7 July have named strong squads in preparation for the regions premier event.
PNG will enter the tournament as heavy favourites given their recent form in World Cricket League and the Arafura Games. These performances combined with their familiarity with the home conditions will make them a formidable force come July. Captained by the experienced Rarua Dikana, the hosts will be determined to continue their dominance of the region on home soil.
Vanuatu will hold high hopes of causing an upset against the powerful PNG side after a very competitive performance against them at Under 19 level earlier this year. The additions at senior level of players such as Andrew Mansale and Simpson Obed will give the Pacific islanders a lot of confidence that they can challenge for the title.
Fiji has been boosted by the return of two players that have been out of the national side for a number of years. Most notably fast bowler Imran Kahn returns after a six year absence teaching in the USA, and Jikoi Kida returns after a stint in Egypt with the Fijian army. Both players have performed brilliantly for Fiji in the past and if they can return to that sort of form Fiji will turn some heads in Port Moresby.
Japan will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing result at the recent World Cricket League Division 7 tournament. With both Vanuatu and Samoa set to meet Japan again next year in World Cricket League Division 8, the Japanese will have their sights set on establishing a significant mental edge on their East-Asia Pacific rivals. Japan's recent experience playing in tournaments on turf wickets will also be an advantage to their squad that has a nice balance of youth and experience.
As the only affiliate member of the ICC competing at the tournament, Samoa will see this as a huge opportunity to make a real impact on the region. Undefeated on home soil at the Division 2 event in April, the Samoan side will be well aware that this will be a huge step up from the competition they easily accounted for just two months ago. Ben Mailata will hold the key for Samoa after a stunning Division 2 tournament with the bat where he went through without being dismissed once. The Samoans have publicly stated that they will not be in Port Moresby to just make up the numbers.
Full Squads are below:
PNG
Rarua Dikana (Captain), Christopher Amini, Assadollah Vala, Sese Bau, Joel Tom, Charles Amini, Mahuru Dai, John Reva, Willie Gavera, Jack Vare-Kevere, Tony Ura, Hitolo Areni, Jason Kila, Vani Vagi.
Andy Bichel (Coach), Greg Campbell (Assistant Coach), Mairi Gaigo Homosi (Team Mananger).
Vanuatu
Andrew Mansale (Captain), Trevor Langa, Simpson Obed, Lenica Natapei, John Aby Joel, Patrick Matautaava, Jelany Chilia, Nalin Nipiko, Lazaro Carlot, Kenny Tari, Niko Unavalu, Manu Nimoho, Eddie Mansale, Kendy Kenneth.
Mark Coles (Coach), Ben Howard (Team Manager)
Fiji
Josefa Rika (Captain), Sekove Ravoka, Iniasi Cakacaka, Waisaka Tukana, Kitione Tavo, Sakaraia Lomani, Jikoi Kida, Tasheed Tawheed, Mohammad Kahn, Maciu Gauna, Viliame Yabaki, Josefa Baleicicia, Vilikesa Nailolo, Joji Bulabalavu.
Steve Jenkin (Coach), Taione Cakacaka (Assistant Coach)
Japan
Tatsuro Chino (Captain), Takuro Hagihara, Ko Irie, Raheel Kano, Masaomi Kobayashi, Naoki Miyaji, Naotsune Miyaji, Hanif Kahn Muhammad, Razaq Cheema Muhammad, Uddin Naeem, Kazuyuki Ogawa, Tomoki Ota, Jarrad Shearer, Fumihiko Uegaki.
Christopher Ferguson (Coach), Keven McGowan (Assistant Coach)
Samoa
Geoff Clarke (Captain), Sean Cotter, Winston Mariner, Faasao Mulivai, Uala Kaisala, Pritchard Pritchard, Faavae Faaofo, Faafetai Benjamin Mailata, Tiafala Alatasi, Loutala Fuinaomo, Naa Vaasili, Lesuni Luteru, Totoa Samuatu.
Murphy Sua (Player/Coach), Andrew Flynn (Team Manager).
