It was quite a challenge for young all-rounder, Boio, when it came to balancing school and training but he managed the two seemingly with ease.

The teen, who has just completed grade 11 at the Port Moresby Grammar School said that was one part of training that was hard for him.

‘It was difficult balancing school and cricket. But I just go to school and after school I join the boys in training.’ ‘Usually the U19 team would train for at least six months, but for us it’s shorter than that.’

As with other countries participating in the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup, the global pandemic has caused the unfortunate short and unconventional time frame for the U19 team to train. However, they have taken on the challenge with guts and grit.

‘We will try our best to represent the country and I look forward to having that challenge with the other U19 teams,’ Boio says adding that he especially looks forward to playing against Pakistan.

‘I love the game itself, enjoying it with my teammates,’ the young cricketer says. ‘I like Vani Vagi Morea; I just love his batting and his games.’

And if it’s not cricket he’s playing or his teammates that he’s with, it’s his family. He absolutely loves going for family picnics.

The 18-year-old from Pari, Central Province has been playing since he was ten. And it’s apparent his family were a big part of this.

After joining the Pari Cricket Club Boio was soon identified as a young talent in the cricket program, now ready for his World Cup debut.

‘I didn’t think I would make the PIH Under 19 Cricket PNG team but…I’m very proud,’ he smiles. ‘I just want to say thank to the selectors of the PNG U19 team and the Cricket PNG board.’