Milne Bay cricketer Mesi Beloa made an impressive debut at Amini Park in Port Moresby, delivering a standout bowling performance on Day One of the rescheduled Boroko Motors ISUZU Men’s T20 Smash, despite his team’s loss.
The 27-year-old fast bowler from Ahioma, Milne Bay Province, fulfilled a long-held dream of playing at the country’s premier cricket venue, marking the occasion with a strong showing against the Cassowaries.
“It was a personal celebration for me when I hit the wicket. I was so happy, I dreamt of this day, to come to Port Moresby and play cricket at Amini Park,” Beloa said.
Representing the Black Bass, Beloa returned impressive figures of 3 wickets for 8 runs from 3 overs, including one maiden and 11 dot balls, finishing with an economy rate of 2.67 in the opening match.
Beloa, who plays for United Cricket Club in Milne Bay, has been involved in the sport for six years.
His selection into the Black Bass squad highlights ongoing efforts by Cricket PNG to identify and develop talent from across the country, particularly from regions outside traditional high-performance centres.
The ISUZU Men’s T20 Smash, running from March 19 to 29, serves as a key domestic competition aimed at strengthening player pathways.
The tournament brings together emerging cricketers from across Papua New Guinea, offering them the opportunity to compete alongside and against members of the national men’s team, the Barramundis, and the U19 Garamuts squad.
“It is an opportunity for me to take the experience back home. Playing alongside national players is not easy, but I want to learn, listen, and contribute to the team.”
He also encouraged aspiring cricketers in Milne Bay to remain committed to the sport, emphasizing discipline and passion as key to success.
“I want the youths and men back home to play cricket with commitment and passion. One day, you will have the opportunity to play alongside the country’s best players,” he added.
Beloa said representing his province on the national stage was a proud moment, noting Milne Bay’s strong cricket history but limited representation in major domestic tournaments.
He also stated that the competition provided an important platform to showcase talent from the province.
While the Black Bass were defeated by the Cassowaries by 61 runs, Beloa’s performance stood out as a promising sign of the growing depth of cricket talent emerging from across Papua New Guinea’s regions.
“I know it is a big dream, but I hope to play in the national team. And if not, I hope someone from Milne Bay does,” he said.
