The PNG Garramuts U19 cricket team is returning to Port Moresby today, Monday August 12th after an extraordinary victory at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Division 2 Qualifier in Samoa. The team, led by the dynamic Gaba Frank, claimed the championship in a stunning display of skill and determination, sealing their place in the next round of regional qualification. The Garramuts are set to touch down at Jackson’s Airport this afternoon at 1:40 PM, bringing home not just the trophy but also the pride of a nation. Their journey to victory was marked by dominant performances throughout the tournament, culminating in a decisive 232-run win over Indonesia in the grand final. The tournament, held in Apia, Samoa, saw the PNG team maintain an unbeaten record, underlining their superiority in the region. In the final, Indonesia won the toss and opted to bowl, but their hopes of containing the Garramuts were quickly dashed. PNG’s opening pair, Dauncey Tom and Frank Collin Naime, set the tone with a commanding 131-run partnership. Tom was particularly impressive, scoring 70 runs off 79 balls, while Naime contributed a solid 48 before falling. The middle order, powered by Vagi Morea’s 45 off 43 balls and an explosive 69 from Lekwa Henao Nao, ensured PNG posted a formidable total of 330 for seven. Indonesia’s response was dismantled early by PNG’s seamer, Ware Robin, who took two crucial wickets in the third over. The Indonesian batting lineup struggled to recover, with further damage inflicted by Wallace Nou and captain Gaba Frank. Indonesia was eventually bowled out for 98 in the 49th over, sealing PNG’s dominant win and their passage to the next qualifying round. Gaba Frank, who has been a standout throughout the tournament, not only led the team to victory but also shone individually with both bat and ball. Frank’s contributions included scores of 59 against Indonesia and 50 against Samoa, along with impressive bowling figures of 4/26 and 3/16 in the same matches. His leadership and all-round abilities were instrumental in the team’s success. Reflecting on the victory, Frank said, “It means a lot, we’ve trained hard for this, and it’s been seven months of preparation." "I think back home, all of our families in PNG will be proud of us." "We’re excited right now, and with the future matches against Japan and Fiji, we hope to bring the regional title back to PNG.” The team’s next challenge will be the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Japan, where they will face Japan and Fiji in April 2025. The winner of that tournament will secure a spot at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The Garramuts’ triumph has not only secured their place in the next round but has also highlighted the bright future of cricket in PNG. Acting ICC Regional Development Manager for East Asia-Pacific, Toby Cohen, praised the team’s performance, saying, “Congratulations to Papua New Guinea, who were clearly deserving winners." "I wish them all the best for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup EAP Qualifier in Japan next year.” As the Garramuts return home as champions, their families, friends, Cricket PNG and the nation will celebrate their success and eagerly anticipates their next challenge on the road to the World Cup. Their victory in Samoa is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the growing strength of cricket in Papua New Guinea. ICC stands for the International Cricket Council, which is the global governing body for the sport of cricket, responsible for organizing international tournaments, setting the rules of the game, and overseeing the rankings and development of cricket worldwide.