John Kariko relishing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup debut

John Kariko knows what it takes to succeed in Caribbean conditions and the Papua New Guinea spinner is raring to go as he prepares for his first crack at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The 20-year-old slow left-armer impressed for his country at the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2022 in the West Indies, taking five for 19 against Uganda in the Plate play-off semi-finals. He has since graduated into the senior set-up and taken 25 wickets in 16 T20Is, averaging 11.40 and going at a touch over five runs an over.

Kariko is aware tougher opponents lie in wait over the next month – New Zealand and West Indies are among the teams alongside Papua New Guinea in Group C – but cannot wait to test his skills against the best.

“I am very excited to be in the team,” he said. “It’s my first time in the national team at this type of level and I am excited to make my debut at the tournament and show what I can do in the World Cup.”

“When I played in the West Indies at the Under-19 World Cup, it was very different from home. It was a bit tough to adjust but I learned a lot from the experience. The pitches here are better for scoring runs, but my plans in practice games are working out and the skipper (Assad Vala) and senior players are helping me out.”

“It feels good playing with Assad. I looked up to him and the other senior players growing up, so it’s a dream come true to play with him in the team.”

Kariko is the second member of his family to represent Papua New Guinea, with his father Noel, a medium pacer, also having done so.

The sport was not originally his primary focus – that honour went to volleyball – but Kariko focused on cricket from the age of 13.

He has tapped into the familial wisdom passed down a generation to aid his own journey while he is now soaking up the knowledge of PNG head coach Tatenda Taibu and former West Indies star Phil Simmons, who has joined the coaching staff for the upcoming tournament.

“Growing up, my dad spent a lot of time working in the academy and training alongside Assad Vala, the big boss,” Kariko said. “So, he wasn’t helping me most of the time but he was always encouraging me about what could happen in the future and telling me what I had to do to become a good player. His main advice was to give time to training and keep working hard.”

“TT (Taibu) has been good to us, he has been helping us and teaching us lots of new things. We are learning a lot from him, he has been a good coach.”

“Having Phil Simmons in the team has been special as well, he is doing a great job. His knowledge is really helpful to all of us.”

Kariko started out as a medium pacer, like his dad, but the switch to spin has paid dividends. He recorded his best T20I bowling figures of four for 11 against Malaysia last year and now hopes to cause problems for some illustrious names, particularly when the Black Caps are their opposition in Trinidad on June 17.

“I cannot wait to bowl at Kane Williamson,” Kariko added. “I have my plans ready.”

“Our preparations are going well, we are taking what we are working on in training and executing it