Biography of Mairi Tom

Early Life

Mairi Tom was born on June 28, 1986, in Lae, Papua New Guinea. Growing up in a cricket-loving nation, Mairi developed a keen interest in the sport at an early age. As a child, he would often play with local teams, demonstrating not only his passion for cricket but also an innate talent that would later be recognized at professional levels. His early influences were his family and local cricket clubs, where he honed his skills as a right-arm medium bowler and a right-hand batsman.

Cricket Journey

Mairi's cricketing journey began in earnest when he joined the Papua New Guinea Under-19 team. His efforts in the domestic circuit quickly catapulted him into the national limelight. He made significant contributions to his local team, which caught the eyes of national selectors. His dedication, hard work, and consistent performances laid the groundwork for his future career. Mairi’s ability to perform under pressure became evident, and soon he was ready to take the next step in his cricketing career.

International Debut

Mairi Tom made his international debut for Papua New Guinea on January 8, 2007, during a One Day International (ODI) against the Netherlands. His debut marked the beginning of an illustrious journey representing his home country on the global stage. Over the years, Mairi exhibited his prowess with both bat and ball, making him a valuable asset to the team.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Throughout his career, Mairi reached several milestones that underscored his significance in Papua New Guinea’s cricket narrative: - **World Cricket League Performances:** Mairi played a vital role in the Papua New Guinea team's success in the ICC World Cricket League, helping to elevate their status in international cricket. - **2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier:** Mairi was instrumental in the team's performance during the qualifiers, showcasing his skills in crucial matches. - **T20 World Cup Participation:** He represented Papua New Guinea in the ICC T20 World Cup, further establishing his credentials on the international stage.

Records and Statistics

Mairi Tom's career statistics reflect his contributions to the sport and his consistency over the years. Here are his career stats across formats:

Career Statistics

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Average	100s	50s	Best Score	Wickets	Bowling Average	Best Bowling
ODI	30	28	650	23.21	1	5	113	45	37.11	4/49
T20I	20	18	550	30.56	0	4	76	30	26.67	3/21
First Class	15	26	800	33.33	2	3	135	50	29.00	5/60

Impact on the Game

Mairi Tom's impact on cricket in Papua New Guinea extends beyond just his statistics. He is revered as a role model, inspiring younger generations of cricketers in a country where the sport is still growing. His commitment to the game has helped raise the profile of cricket in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the development of the sport at grassroots levels. Mairi’s journey from local clubs to representing his nation is a testament to his talent and hard work, making him a shining star in Papua New Guinea cricket history. As he continues to represent Papua New Guinea, Mairi Tom remains a vital figure in the development of cricket in the region and an inspiration for aspiring players aiming to follow in his footsteps.

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