If there's one man in Papua New Guinea cricket who can electrify a stadium with just his bat, it's Tony Ura. Known for his fearless stroke play and blistering starts, Ura is PNG’s batting dynamite—an opening batsman who believes in taking the attack to the opposition, no matter how big the stage. Born in the cricket-loving city of Kokopo, Ura’s journey into the national team was shaped by raw passion and pure instinct. Cricket wasn’t just a sport to him—it was a way of expressing himself. As a child, he’d mimic the greats, spending hours batting against makeshift bowlers and improving his timing under the tropical sun. What started on dusty grounds soon translated into a fierce hunger to dominate bowlers at the international level. Ura made his mark with a bang. From the very beginning, his role was clear: give PNG fiery starts, unsettle bowlers, and set the tone. Over the years, he’s delivered on that promise. One of his most memorable performances came in 2018, when he scored a sensational 151 off just 142 balls against Ireland in an ICC World Cup Qualifier—still one of the highest individual scores by an Associate cricketer in an ODI. It wasn’t just a knock—it was a message that PNG had arrived. Tony's batting is a mix of flair and fearlessness. He’s particularly strong on the leg side and loves to take spinners down the ground. His intent is always clear: dominate early, put pressure on the opposition, and swing momentum in PNG’s favor. In T20s, his strike rate and aggression are invaluable assets, especially in powerplays. While he’s known for his explosive batting, Ura has matured over time—learning to pace his innings and guide younger players in pressure scenarios. He’s also worked on his fitness and fielding, evolving into a more complete cricketer and team player. Off the field, Tony is humble and deeply connected to his roots. He often returns to his hometown to coach kids, donate equipment, and inspire the next generation. His journey—from backyard games in Kokopo to facing world-class bowlers in ICC events—is one of grit and belief. Tony Ura isn’t just a top-order batter—he’s PNG cricket’s fearless face, the man who walks out to open with a smile and swings with a mission.