The PNG Garamuts ready to depart Port Moresby for Japan at the weekend. Photo: Cricket PNG
The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Garamuts are in Japan to compete in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division 1 Qualifier.
The qualifier will start at the Sano International Cricket ground on 24 April, with the Garamuts scheduled to meet hosts Japan and Fiji in the battle for a spot at the 2026 ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Cricket PNG said the team, led by Gaba Frank (captain) and Dauncey Tom (vice-captain), has undergone an intensive training schedule and a 10-day preparation tour to Queensland, Australia.
This was made possible through the PacificAus Sports program as part of the Cricket PNG-Queensland Cricket memoraundum of understanding signed earlier this year.
Cricket PNG National Youth Selector Hudson Leka said the team goes with the nation's best wishes as they attempt to earn a world cup spot.
"As you head toward Japan, remember you wear more than a jersey. You wear the Kumul's courage, the stars of our destiny, and the fire of our nation," Leka told the players and management during the team's send off in Port Moresby last week.
"This is your time. Step onto that field and fight like the warriors you were born to be. The Garamut drums are pounding."
The Garamuts earned their place in this elite tournament following a dominant performance at the 2024 EAP Division 2 Qualifier in Samoa, where they defeated Indonesia in the final.
Japan and Fiji were direct qualifiers from the previous edition of the EAP Division 1 Qualifier in Australia.
PNG will meet Japan in the first game on 24 April, and will play two matches each against both Fiji and Japan.
