PNG Barramundis crowned East Asia Pacific champions

The Papua New Guinea Barramundis have been crowned regional champions after securing the top spot at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific [EAP] Qualifier in Japan.

The national side claimed the silverware on net run rate following a dramatic conclusion to the Super Six stage on Monday, finishing ahead of tournament hosts Japan.

The Barramundis ended the tournament level with Japan on eight competition points, but a superior net run rate of +2.1200 secured the League Championship for the touring Papua New Guinea side. Japan finished a close second with a net run rate of +1.4807.

Despite suffering their only defeat of the campaign against the hosts on the final day of play, the Barramundis’ dominant form across the week proved decisive. PNG’s clinical all-round displays with both bat and ball yielded comprehensive victories over Indonesia, the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Vanuatu.

Statistically, the Barramundis were the most potent side of the tournament, amassing 751 runs across their allotted 100 overs while restricting their opponents to a combined total of 539 runs.

Samoa and the Cook Islands finished their respective campaigns tied on six points each, while Vanuatu managed two points. Indonesia finished at the bottom of the table without a win.

The tournament, which ran from May 12 to 18, serves as a vital component of the qualification pathway towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Cricket PNG and the national selectors now turn their focus to the global stage, with the International Cricket Council [ICC] expected to officially confirm the details and schedules for the next phase of World Cup qualification in the coming weeks.

Final Standings:
1. PNG Barramundis – 8 points [+2.1200 NRR]

2. Japan – 8 points [+1.4807 NRR]

3. Samoa – 6 points [+1.1175 NRR]

4. Cook Islands – 6 points [-0.5812 NRR]

5. Vanuatu – 2 points [-2.5529 NRR]

6. Indonesia – 0 points [-2.1393 NRR]