Milne Bay cricket star makes debut

Since taking up cricket six years ago, 27-year old Milne Bay cricketer Mesi Beloa made it his personal goal to one day travel to Port Moresby and play at the home of Cricket PNG, Amini Park.

He finally ticked that box after making it into the Black Bass team followed by his debut in the Isuzu T20 Smash on Friday March 20th.

Lining up alongside and against the country's elite in cricket, the man from Ahioma delivered a stand out performance in his first match for the Black Bass despite their 61-run loss to the Cassowarries.

Those watching would agree that Beloa had immediate impact with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 wickets for 8 runs from 3 overs, including one maiden and 11 dot balls, at an economy rate of 2.67.

“It was a personal celebration for me when I hit the wicket. I was so happy, I dreamt of this day, to come to Port Moresby and play cricket at Amini Park,” he said.

Cricket PNG described Beloa's selection into the Black Bass squad this year as part of their efforts in developing cricketers across the country, and for Beloa, he is grateful for the opportunity.

"It is an opportunity for me to take the experience back home. Playing alongside national players is not easy, but I want to learn, listen, and contribute to the team,” he said.

Beloa's selection into the Black Bass squad this year is also seen as something that can inspire more cricket talents from Milne Bay to follow the existing pathway in place.

“I want the youths back home to play cricket with commitment and passion. One day, you will have the opportunity to play alongside the country’s best players.”

Milne Bay's Beloa remains hopeful about his future in the sport and also aspires to one day make the PNG Barramundis squad.

“I know it is a big dream, but I hope to play in the national team. And if not, I hope someone from Milne Bay does,” he said.

The Isuzu men’s T20 Smash runs from March 19th to 29th March and serves as a key platform for elite domestic competition and player development.

A core objective of the tournament is to bring together emerging talents from regions outside traditional high-performance centres, providing them with exposure to top-level cricket and opportunities to progress into national pathways.