Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu are set to go up against each other in match no. 10 of the ongoing 2nd edition of the Women’s Twenty20 International (T20I) Pacific Cup on the 19th of January, 2024. The match will take place at Lloyd Elsmore Park 1, Auckland, and commences at 3:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Papua New Guinea – Brenda Tau (C), Sibona Jimmy (VC), Vicky Araa, Kaia Arua, Vicky Buruka, Kevau Frank, Dika Lohia, Erani Pokana, Tanya Ruma, Pauke Siaka, Henao Thomas, Geua Tom (WK), Isabel Toua, Naoani Vare
Vanuatu – Selina Solman (C), Alvina Chilia (VC), Rachel Andrew, Maiyllise Carlot (WK), Gillian Chilia, Leimauri Chilia, Lizzing Enoch, Melissa Fare, Natalia Kakor, Valenta Langiatu, Vicky Mansale, Nasimana Navaika, Rayline Ova, Mahina Tarimiala (WK), Vanessa Vira
Players to watch out:
Pauke Siaka
The 37-year-old all-rounder has accumulated 115 runs, including the highest of 38* from 14 T20I outings, and also has a couple of wickets to her name from 4 outings. Pauke hasn’t bowled in this competition thus far, while with the bat, she followed up her 14(14) with a 30-ball 43*. It’ll be hoped that she capitalizes on this momentum.
Vicky Araa
The 27-year-old off-spinner, averaging 12.77, has bagged 31 wickets from 33 T20I outings, registering the best of 4/23 and maintaining an economy rate of 4.62. Vicky continues to be economical in this competition, and following successive wicketless outings, she produced figures of 4/6. The team will count on her to make the most of this form.
Rachel Andrew
The 25-year-old all-rounder, in 33 T20I appearances, has amassed 640 runs and taken 36 wickets, registering respective bests of 50 and 3/7. Rachel has displayed outstanding form in this tournament, registering scores of 20, 23, and 42, while also returning figures of 2/13, 0/7, and 0/7. She’ll be relied upon for the goods, especially with the bat.
Valenta Langiatu
The 23-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, from 32 outings, has amassed 547 runs, including the highest of 87*, and bagged 11 wickets from as many outings, with the best being 3/6. Valenta has been a standout for the team, registering scores of 4(8), 61(45), and 14(21). It’ll be expected of her to build on this form and lead the runs chart.
Pitch:
The Lloyd Elsmore Park wicket heavily favors the pacers, creating ideal conditions for bowling, evident from the average score in the 80s. Batters when settle in and find their rhythm, can accumulate runs effectively.
Weather:
With light winds, humidity at 80%, and the temperature expected to hover around 26°C, the conditions are pleasant for cricket. With partly cloudy overhead, the chances of rain are minimal, promising a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Brenda Tau, Valenta Langiatu, Naoani Vare, Pauke Siaka, Rachel Andrew, Selina Solman, Sibona Jimmy, Nasimana Navaika, Kaia Arua, Vicky Araa, Vicky Mansale.
Match details:
Date – January 19, 2024
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – Lloyd Elsmore Park 1, Auckland
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the New Zealand Cricket YouTube channel.