PNG off to flying start at Indigenous Championships

The Papua New Guinea Indigenous team has launched its 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships [NICC] campaign with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Queensland Indigenous on Tuesday.

Playing in Yuwibara Country in Mackay, Australia, the PNG side put on a clinical performance to chase down Queensland's total with ease.

Queensland won the toss and elected to bat, posting a competitive 4/123 from their allotted overs. However, the PNG top order proved too strong, reaching 2/129 to secure the win and signal their intentions for the remainder of the tournament.

Tony Ura was the star of the show, earning Player of the Match honors after anchoring the chase with a top score of 64 runs.

The squad, which departed for Australia on Sunday, features a wealth of experience, including national mainstays Assad Vala, Sese Bau, and Lega Siaka.

Cricket PNG acknowledged the support of PacificAus Sports and Cricket Australia, noting that such partnerships are vital for providing international development opportunities for the Indigenous side.

The victory provides a massive boost for PNG as they look ahead to a busy schedule. The championships are set to run through until Sunday, April 19.

PNG Indigenous Squad: Assadolla Vala, Sese Bau, Lega Siaka, Hila Vare, Patrick Nou, Boio Ray, Gaba Frank, Alei Nao, Kabua Morea, Michael Charlie, John Kariko, Tony Ura, Igo Morea, Dauncey Tom.