Full Name: Tony Puna Ura Date of Birth: October 15, 1989 Place of Birth: Papua New Guinea Role: Opening Batsman | Right-handed When Tony Ura walks out to open the innings, there’s a certain swagger to his step—the confidence of a man who knows exactly what it means to carry the dreams of a nation on his shoulders. One of the most explosive and fearless batters Papua New Guinea has ever produced, Ura is the kind of player who can ignite a crowd, turn a match on its head, and lift his team from the depths with a flurry of boundaries. Born in the cricket-loving heart of PNG, Ura’s love affair with the game began early, with neighborhood battles and school tournaments shaping his natural aggression. By his early twenties, he had become a standout performer in domestic circuits and earned his international debut in 2011. It didn’t take long for the world to notice. His most iconic moment came in the 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifier, when he scored a jaw-dropping 151 runs off just 142 balls against Ireland—a record-breaking knock that instantly placed him among the elite Associate cricketers. It remains PNG’s highest individual score in ODIs, and one of the finest centuries ever witnessed at that level. Ura was also instrumental in PNG’s historic qualification for the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, playing aggressive cameos during the 2019 qualifiers. With his sharp eye and quick wrists, he regularly takes on bowlers in the Powerplay, setting the tone for the team. His attacking style has drawn comparisons with legends from the full-member nations, but he remains grounded in his purpose—to entertain, and to win for PNG. Over the years, he has amassed over 1000 runs in ODIs and T20Is, often opening the innings under pressure against top-tier Associate nations. His partnerships with fellow batters like Assad Vala and Lega Siaka have been central to PNG’s success in global tournaments. Off the field, Ura is quiet, humble, and deeply connected to his roots. He often returns home to mentor aspiring cricketers and volunteers in Cricket PNG’s outreach programs. For him, success isn’t just about personal milestones—it’s about building a legacy that outlives him. In every thumping drive and powerful pull shot, Tony Ura carries the roar of a nation. He is PNG’s fearless warrior at the top—bold, brilliant, and beautifully uncompromising.