The PNG Barramundis are the Crowned Champions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East-Asia Pacific Qualifier in Japan, following their all-round top-class performances that had them finish as the top team after the completion of the Super Six stage.
The Barramundis produced a dominant performance throughout their campaign at the qualifying tournament by recording wins against Indonesia, Cook Islands, Samoa, and Vanuatu, while their only loss was to the host Japan in their final match yesterday (Monday 18th May).
Both PNG and Japan finished with eight (8) points apiece; however, PNG had the highest and more superior net run rate of +2.1200 compared to Japan’s +1.4807, as PNG took out the honors of Champions.
“We’re really happy; the team had prepared the opportunity to give themselves to play their best, and we’ve done that through different stages of the tournament, and we gave ourselves a buffer with the net run rate. So, I’m really happy for the team,” said Head Coach, Tim McCaskill.
The Barramundis next assignment after this tournament is uncertain; however, McCaskill believes that they have secured a direct qualification spot for the T20 Men’s World Cup after their success in Japan.
“With the win in this tournament, we’ve given ourselves an opportunity to go to the next qualification stage. And I’m really happy and thrilled for the team,” said McCaskill.
The winning coach told PNG Haus Bung in an interview that the highlights for him and the team were the selection of four PNG players in the Team of the Tournament.
“Tony Ura was terrific with the bat, Lega Siaka was the Lynch-pin to run chases and to setting totals at different stages, and Sese Bau was a big contributor with both bat and ball, and John Karioko has proven everyone that he is a real talent and a dangerous left arm spinner to lookout,” said the coach.
The coach was very appreciative of the support they have received from back home in Papua New Guinea from all cricket supporters, as it really helped lifted the team.
At the completion of the tournament, PNG scored a Total of 751 Runs across 100 Overs, while restricting opposition teams to 539 Runs scored against them from their allotted 100 Overs.
The May 12-18, 2026, Qualifiers in Japan saw a total of six (6) Nations from the East-Asia Pacific Region competing for progressive opportunities towards the ICC Men’s T20 World cup.
PNG’s strong all-round performances across the tournament highlighted the team’s consistency with both bat and ball, including dominant victories and disciplined bowling displays throughout the competition.
Further details regarding the ICC qualification pathway and progression to the next stage are expected to be confirmed by the International Cricket Council in the coming weeks.
