All you need to know about Assad Vala – PNG’s Captain Fantastico at T20 World Cup 2021

Papua New Guinea’s inspirational leader Assad Vala will be captaining his country in their first-ever men’s T20 World Cup appearance in the Middle East. Vala’s name has been associated with PNG cricket for a long, long time now. The experienced cricketer has been captaining his nation in T20Is since 2016. He has led PNG to […]
 
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All you need to know about Assad Vala – PNG’s Captain Fantastico at T20 World Cup 2021

Papua New Guinea’s inspirational leader Assad Vala will be captaining his country in their first-ever men’s T20 World Cup appearance in the Middle East.

Vala’s name has been associated with PNG cricket for a long, long time now. The experienced cricketer has been captaining his nation in T20Is since 2016.

He has led PNG to victories in 15 of his 23 T20Is at the helm, losing only 7 of those. The inspiring skipper will have to lead from the front as PNG approach their historic maiden top-level ICC men’s event in great excitement and hope.

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All you need to know about Assad Vala – PNG’s Captain Fantastico at T20 World Cup 2021

PNG need skipper Assad Vala to be at his best at their maiden T20 World Cup appearance. (pic courtesy: ICC/Twitter)

Age: 34

All you need to know about Assad Vala – PNG’s Captain Fantastico at T20 World Cup 2021

Role: Captain & Batting all-rounder

Batting Style: Left-hand bat

Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break

Assad Vala’s T20I career for PNG so far

Making his debut in the shortest format at the higest level back in July 2015, Assad Vala has featured in 28 T20Is for PNG. The left-hander has struck 516 runs at an average of 23.45 and strike-rate of 109.09.

Vala has a more impressive record to his name as a bowler, having taken 22 wickets at 13.00 per piece while maintaining a fantastic economy rate of 5.85.

Vala’s Highest T20I score: 68 versus Philippines in Port Moresby, 2019

Vala’s Best Bowling figures in T20Is: 3/7 versus Kenya in Dubai, 2019

Why is Assad Vala important to PNG’s fortunes in the T20 World Cup?

Because he is their never-say-die captain and leader, who gives his heart and soul with the bat and ball, and in the field. Assad Vala is more about his commitment to his team and country than any obvious eye-catching ability.

The cricketer has been making important contributions to his team at the top of the order and also filling in with crucial tight overs and breakthroughs when required.

Vala has contributed immensely to his team’s wins throughout his career. In the overall 17 T20I wins that he has been part of for PNG, the allrounder has averaged 30.50 with a strike-rate of 112.26 and has taken 15 wickets with an economy rate of only 4.91.

He was pivotal to PNG qualifying for this year’s T20 World Cup with 197 runs at an average of 28.14 and strike-rate of 121.60 in the global qualifier that was held in UAE. He backed those batting exploits with 10 wickets and a fantastic economy rate of 4.59.

Assad Vala’s captaincy credentials and his utility in either department plus the experience they all make him the most important PNG cricketer on the park.