Papua New Guinea stars turn out for East-Asia Pacific

Eight of Papua New Guinea's best players will receive valuable match practice ahead of this month's World Cricket League Division 3 tournament when they play for East Asia-Pacific at the Australian Country Championships over the next nine days.

Rarua Dikana, the national captain, John Ovia, Ipi Morea, Vani Vagi Morea, Assad Vala, Kila Pala and Mahuru Dai will all get the chance to tone their game for the vital Division 3 tournament where a place in the final will give Papua New Guinea a coveted place at the World Cup qualifier in South Africa in April.

The East Asia-Pacific squad is a composite team representing the ICC's East Asia-Pacific development zone in the Australian Country Championships against country teams from the mainland Australian states. Their first fixture is a two-day game against Queensland Sunday.

The Division 3 tournament, which will be held from January 24-31, also features Afghanistan, Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, Uganda and the host, Argentina.

Meanwhile, the rest of the PNG squad are continuing their preparations in Port Moresby, before the entire squad assembles in Toowoomba, Queensland on January 14 prior to travelling to Buenos Aires on January 19.

Papua New Guinea squad: Rarua Dikana (capt), John Ovia, Chris Amini, Ipi Morea, Vani Vagi Morea, Asad Vala, Kila Pala, Jacob Mado, Jamie Brazier, Willie Gavera, Peter Moide, Loa Nou, Mahuru Dai, John Hoada.