After a week of intense battle, we are almost at the business end of the ICC World T20 Qualifiers and it will be Papua New Guinea who will lock horns against Kenya in the 38th match of the tournament. Consistent performances from PNG have meant that they find themselves in a superior position in the points table.
Kenya, on the other hand, had their works cut out in the tournament and needs to win their final match to harbour hopes of going through to the playoffs. It will be a must-win clash for them while PNG will look to build on their terrific performance in the competition so far.
Venue- Dubai International Cricket stadium, Dubai.
Date- 27th October 2019
Before the start of the tournament, Papua New Guinea had pretty little hopes of going further. However consistent performances have meant that they have strolled through to the playoffs and will look to continue their winning run in their last group game against Kenya.
The performance of PNG has been pretty impressive on the back of solid performances from Tony Ura, Assad Vala and Charles Amini. Sese Bau and Charles Amini have done the job for them in both the departments.
Predicted Playing XI
Tony Ura, Assad Vala (C), Lega Siaka, Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Norman Vanua, Riley Hekure, Jason Kila, Damien Ravu, Nosaina Pokana.
Kenya has had an indifferent tournament so far. The final match will be a must win clash for them if they harbour hopes of making it through to the playoffs. The likes of Collins Obuya and Aman Gandhi will play a vital role in the batting department. However, the Africans are well aware of the fact that they will have to play out of their skins to beat an inform Papua New Guinea.
Predicted Playing XI
Irfan Karim (WK), Aman Gandhi, Dhiren Gondaria, Collins Obuya, Rakep Patel, Shem Ngoche (C), Nelson Odiambho, Sachin Bhudia, Jasraj Kundi, Lucas Oluoch, Elijah Otieno.
Papua New Guinea has looked in terrific form and is currently occupying the top spot in Group A. In the 5 matches they have played so far, PNG has won 4 games and looks like the team to beat. On the other hand, Kenya has managed to win 2 out of the 5 matches they have played so far. It will be a must win clash for them.
Papua New Guinea vs Kenya Dream 11 Team Combination
Wicket-keepers- Irfan Karim
Batsmen- Tony Ura, Sese Bau, Dhiren Gondaria, Aman Gandhi
All-rounders- Assad Vala, Collins Obuya, Charles Amini
Bowlers- Norman Vanua, Nosaina Pokana, Nelson Odhiambo
Assad Vala- He has been a pretty consistent performer for PNG. He started off the tournament with a half-century against Bermuda and followed it up with a 48 against Namibia. He also managed to bag 4 wickets in those two matches. He has carried on his good form and will be a sensible captain option. He has managed to get past 20 in all the 5 matches and has also chipped in with important wickets.
Charles Amini- Like Vala, Amini has also played a very important role in the upward slide for PNG. He has bagged wickets in all the matches and also chipped in with a good knock of 41 in the previous clash against Singapore. He has also bagged 6 wickets in the tournament so far.