“Do not swim in shark-infested waters. You’re not ready for this shark attack”
Captain: Nalin Nipiko
Colours: light blue and black
Squad: Alex Stephen, Fernando Laumae, Nalin Nipiko, Wolford Kalworai, Bethan Moli, Niko Unavalu, Obed Yosef, Stephane Sandy, Vince Vira, William Yamak, Gilmour Kaltongga, Harry Pakoa, Jamal Vira, Michael Avock, Ambong Rakau, Apolinaire Stephen, Brenan Meyer Team Manager: Mark Dunn
Key players: Nalin Nipiko, Apolinaire Stephen, Jamal Vira
Ones to watch: Obed Yosef, Vince Vira, Gilmour Kaltongga, Wolford Kalworai
Even looking past their own mix of international experience, and the leadership of newly-appointed senior skipper Nalin Nipiko, the Ifira Sharks have a depth of overall talent, with everyone in the squad ready to contribute even in the game’s shortest format. Gilmour Kaltongga and Wolford Kalworai, while both on the fringes of the national team, have enjoyed huge success in several domestic tournaments over the years, and both relish in the challenges the hybrid surface at the VCG. Kalworai has a domestic T20 hundred to his name, and is likely to open the batting.
For all of this depth though, Nipiko is the main man. Averaging 26 with the bat in T20I cricket, taking a wicket every nine balls in the format, and at an economy of under eight runs an over, there isn’t many things the 24-year-old can’t do. The experienced Jamal Vira keeps wicket for the national team, and is a trusted pair of eyes to help Nipiko in the field. Apolinaire Stephen will spearhead the attack with his seam and Obed Yosef’s left-arm orthodox will reel teams back in if they get away early.
The Sharks will have plans B and C ready if things go awry, and will be circling to prey on their competition.
Predicted XI:
Nipiko
Yamak
Kalworai
J. Vira
Ap. Stephen
Kaltonga
Avock
V. Vira
Unavalu
Sandy
Yosef
Prediction: Finalists
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