Vanuatu Cricket announce under-19 squad ahead of Top End qualifiers

Callan Morse Published May 31, 2023 at 11.30am (AWST)

sport

Newly Appointed Under-19 captain Curran Kendrick in action in Vanuatu's recent series against the Australian Indigenous XI. (Image: Vanuatu Cricket Association)

After hosting the Australian Indigenous team on their historic inaugural tour, the Vanuatu Cricket Association have named the country's under-19 men's squad ahead of next month's T20 World Cup qualifier.

The 14-man squad will travel to Darwin to represent the Pacific island nation in the ICC under-19 East Asia Pacific T20 World Cup Qualifier, which begins on 12 June.

The team will be lead by 16-year-old Curran Kendrick, a member of the Vanuatu men's national team who recently played against the touring Australian Indigenous XI.

Kendrick said the experience of playing in the Vanuatuan senior side has helped him prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifier.

"I was extremely grateful to be selected in the squad for the national senior men's team, and even more so for getting to play a match," Kendrick said.

"I think this was a great learning experience for me and will certainly help me in our coming tour in Darwin".

Kendrick will be supported by vice-captain Shay Nara and coach Ronald Tari, who he played alongside in the Vanuatu men's national side.

He said the team is eager to compete against some more recognised cricketing nations, with the aim to quality for next year's Under-19 World Cup.

"I feel incredibly honoured to be appointed as the captain for this side, and I think with the way our team is improving we certainly can put up a fight against these bigger teams," Kendrick said.

"The team and I are extremely excited and looking forward to the qualifiers. We hope to get the win and qualify for Sri-Lanka next year."

The East Asia Pacific under-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier provides a chance for teams based in the East Asia Pacific region to qualify for next year's ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka.

The Vanuatuan side is set to face six teams in the qualifying tournament, including Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa.

The winner of East Asia Pacific qualifier will join three other nations, one each from Africa, Europe, and the Americas, as the final four teams in the 16-team Under-19 World Cup.

11 nations have received automatic qualification including Sri Lanka as hosts and Australia, with Nepal holding one of five regional qualifying positions.

The tournament will be held at multiple venues across Darwin from June 12 to June 21.

Vanuatu National Men's Under-19 Squad

Curran Kendrick (Captain, Paama Sharks)

Shay Narai (Vice-Captain, Tafea Sandalwood)

Sahlin Meltetake (Mighty Saints)

Steve Sandy (Paama Sharks)

Graemila Fakao (Paama Sharks)

Cazzavio Yawoi (Tafea Sandalwood)

Lino Kalo (Mighty Saints)

Seru Vatoko (Splashe Mele Bulls)

Raymondo Lekai (Tafea Sandalwood)

William Laumae (Tusker Panthers)