Indonesia hoping to make country proud at first ICC event

Indonesia were thrilled to qualify for the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, but now they are there, they have their sights set on making an impact

Key player - Kadek Ayu Kurniartini 

Kadek Ayu Kurniartini was the hero for Indonesia during the East Asia Pacific Qualifier tournament in July last year and much will be expected of the talented all-rounder in South Africa.

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Often utilised at the top of the batting order, Kurniartini will also be required to contribute with the ball in a similar vein to when she proved the match-winner against Papua New Guinea last year.

PNG required two runs for victory from the final over and to progress to the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, but Kurniartini claimed two wickets from consecutive deliveries to the delight of her Indonesian teammates.

Expectations:

This is the first-ever ICC World Cup that Indonesia have reached at any level, so there are very few expectations on the inexperienced side heading into the inaugural event.

Indonesia will have their hands full first up against a talent-laden New Zealand side, while their task of reaching the Super Six phase of the event does not get any easier with the West Indies the second opponent for Wesikaratna Dewi's chargers.

Their best chance of Indonesia registering a victory may come in their final group match against Ireland. Dewi and Kurniartini will need to perform well to give them a chance.

Dewi sees the chance to lead the Indonesian team at the tournament as a great opportunity and the 18-year-old hopes to make her country proud.

"I'm very proud even though at a young age I was given the opportunity to lead this team and hope to be able to bring my team to become the best team and be able to make my country proud," she said.

Squad:

Wesikaratna Dewi (c), Thersiana Penu Weo (vc), Ni Kadek Ariani, Yessny Djahilepang, Sang Ayu Puspita Dewi, Lie Qiao, I Gusti Pratiwi, Ni Kadek Murtiari, Ni Putu Cantika, Ni Kadek Dwi Indriyani, Desi Wulandari, Ni Made Suarniasih, Gusti Ayu Ratna Ulansari, Dewa Ayu Sasrikayoni, Kadek Ayu Kurniartini. 

Schedule:

January 15 v New Zealand, North-West University Oval, Potchefstroom
January 17 v West Indies, North-West University Oval, Potchefstroom
January 19 v Ireland, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom