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PNG Lewas Lose to Bangladesh in World Cup Qualifier

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The Papua New Guinea Lewas’ campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier hit a hurdle yesterday as they fell to a 30-run defeat against Bangladesh at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal.

Despite the loss, the Lewas displayed significant grit, fighting through to the final ball against a clinical opponent.

Bangladesh, batting first, posted a competitive total of 168/5 from their allotted 20 overs. The Lewas responded determinedly, successfully batting out their full innings to finish on 138/9.

While the PNG side was unable to close the gap, the performance showed a resilience that the team hopes to carry into their upcoming fixtures.

The Lewas will now regroup and turn their focus to their next fixture as the campaign continues. Their next challenge comes against Namibia on 24 January 2026, a match seen as a vital opportunity to regain momentum.

The national body stands firmly behind the squad as they prepare for the must-win clash.

“Cricket Papua New Guinea remains confident in the Lewas’ ability to build from each match and continue to represent the nation with pride on the global stage.”

A victory on Saturday will be essential as the team looks “to bounce back and strengthen their position in the tournament.”

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Ireland Beats PNG Lewas

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Two women in motion playing cricket. One in a green shirt holding a bat and another wearing a red, black and gold shirt standing behind the wicket.

The Papua New Guinea Lewas quest for a spot in the T20 World Cup hit a hurdle on Sunday as they fell to a 41-run defeat against a clinical Ireland side.

Competing in Match 4 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026, the Lewas struggled to keep pace with the Irish scoring rate at the Mulpani Cricket Ground. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Ireland posted a competitive 146 for 6, driven by a balanced performance across their batting order.

Chasing a target of 147, the Lewas’ batting lineup found it difficult to find the boundary against a disciplined Irish attack. Despite batting out their full 20 overs, PNG finished on 105 for 6.

While the defeat is a setback for their immediate standings, the Lewas camp viewed the clash as a vital benchmark for the team’s development.

“The match provided valuable experience for the Lewas against quality opposition as they continue their campaign in the Global Qualifiers,” the team noted in a post-match statement.

The Lewas remain in the hunt for qualification but will need to sharpen their execution in the middle overs to stay competitive against the tournament’s top-seeded teams. The leadership group emphasized that the focus remains on building consistency and executing key moments as the pressure of the group stages intensifies.

The PNG Lewas will now refocus on their upcoming fixtures, where wins are becoming increasingly essential to keep their dreams of a global stage appearance alive.

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PNG Lewas Eye World Cup Berth After Aussie Tour

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Group short, PNG Lewas and Officials

The Papua New Guinea Lewas have officially transitioned to the final stage of their World Cup journey, arriving in Nepal following a high-intensity preparation stint in Australia.

The national women’s cricket team is eyeing a historic milestone as they prepare to compete in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, running from 18th January to 1st February 2026.

The Lewas recently wrapped up a successful campaign at the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Adelaide. Finishing fifth overall, the team used the tournament as a high-performance laboratory to test tactics and build squad cohesion against elite opposition.

The tour was made possible through the PacificAus Sports partnership between the Australian Government and Cricket Australia, a program designed to bridge the gap between Pacific athletes and international competition.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Ewen McDonald, emphasized that the partnership transcends the scoreboard.

“Papua New Guinea and Australia share a strong connection through cricket, and the PNG Lewas continue to inspire both at home and across the Pacific region,” High Commissioner McDonald said.

“The Australian Government is proud to support women’s cricket in PNG through PacificAus Sports, helping provide opportunities for elite competition, professional development and international exposure as the talented team strives for T20 World Cup qualification.”

The Road to England 2026

The stakes in Nepal could not be higher. The Lewas are one of ten nations vying for just four available slots for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England this June.

Cricket PNG Board Chairman, Michael Harrison, noted that the Australian leg of the journey was a vital stepping stone for the challenges ahead in Nepal.

“The Australian Country Championships provided exactly the level of competition we needed at this stage of preparation,” Harrison said.

“The learnings from Adelaide, combined with our transition into Nepal, place the Lewas in a strong position as they pursue a historic top-four finish and qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.”

Discipline and Depth

National selectors are confident that the rigorous schedule has hardened the squad for the pressures of a Global Qualifier. Hudson Leka, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, praised the team’s growth during their recent matches.

“Selection and preparation have focused on consistency, adaptability and the ability to perform under pressure,” Leka stated.

“The Australian tournament tested those qualities, and the team is now fully focused on delivering in Nepal.”

With enhanced high-performance planning and specialist coaching support backed by the Australian Government, the Lewas now stand on the precipice of securing their place on the world’s biggest stage.

PNG Lewas: Road to the World Cup Fact Sheet

The PNG Lewas enter this final qualifying phase in Nepal with significant momentum, currently ranked 13th in the world in T20 Internationals. Under the leadership of Captain Brenda Tau, the squad features a balanced mix of experience and rising talent, including key players like Pauke Siaka, Sibona Jimmy, and Henao Thomas.

The team earned their place in this Global Qualifier by dominating the East Asia-Pacific region, and they are now looking to secure one of the four available tickets to the main event in England and Wales this June.

The tournament in Nepal is hosted across two venues in Kathmandu: the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground and the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground. The Lewas have been placed in a challenging Group A alongside Ireland, Bangladesh, Namibia, and the USA.

Their campaign officially begins this Sunday, January 18, with a high-stakes opening match against Ireland, followed by a clash with Bangladesh on January 20. The group stage concludes with matches against Namibia on January 24 and the USA on January 26, after which the top teams will progress to the Super Six stage to determine the final World Cup qualifiers.

This campaign represents a critical milestone for Papua New Guinean cricket, supported by the ongoing PacificAus Sports partnership which provided the elite training environment in Adelaide. With only a top-four finish required to secure their first-ever T20 World Cup appearance, the Lewas are fully acclimated to the conditions in Kathmandu and prepared to make history for the Pacific region.

Poster of PNG Lewas Match Fixtures

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PNG Barramundis Receive Home Support in Guernsey Ahead of Jersey Tour

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The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Barramundis national cricket team recently concluded a series of three trial matches in Guernsey, part of their preparation for the upcoming Jersey Tour.

The warm-up fixtures were seen as a success, with the team sharpening their skills and building momentum for the international campaign.

A highlight of the Guernsey stopover was the unexpected support from a Papua New Guinean family living on the island.

For three days, Mr. Vele, his wife Elizabeth, and their son Genailiwa Kaiulo cheered on the team, proudly flying the PNG colours from the stands.

In a gesture of thanks, Barramundis batsman Kipling Doriga presented a team training shirt to the family on Monday, August 18, 2025, their final day in Guernsey.

Head Coach John Ovia noted the positive impact the support had on the players.

“The boys got excited when they saw PNG colours supporting them on,” Ovia said.

“It means a lot to carry the colours of the country and to have fans abroad. We thank the Kaiulo family for their support, especially little champion Genailiwa Kaiulo.”

The Barramundis are now focused on the Jersey Tour, where they will compete in a series of international fixtures.

The team is confident that the trial matches in Guernsey have prepared them for a strong performance.

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Lewas Ready for T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Fiji

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The PNG Lewas have been announced as Papua New Guinea’s representatives for the East Asia Pacific (EAP) T20 World Cup Qualifier in Fiji, set to take place from September 7-15.

The winning team will earn a spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.

The 14-player squad is captained by Brenda Tau and coached by Mahuru Dai.

According to Cricket PNG Chairman Michael Harrison, the team is well-prepared and carries “the hopes of the nation.”

“Our preparation has been good. We have been training for nine weeks… I am sure the PNG Lewas are ready to play for the tournament, and we are all looking forward which I am very confident that this team will deliver a strong performance in Fiji,” Coach Dai commented on the team’s preparations.

The Lewas will face teams from Fiji, Cook Islands, Indonesia, Samoa, Japan, Vanuatu, and the Philippines.

The team will first travel to Brisbane on August 31 for a week of practice matches before heading to Fiji on September 7.

Their campaign begins on September 9 at Albert Park, Suva.

PNG Lewas Squad:

1. Brenda Tau (Captain)

2. Noani Vare

3. Melanie Ani

4. Erani Pokana

5. Pauke Siaka

6. Henao Thomas

7. Lakshmi Rajadurai

8. Hollan Doriga

9. Hane Lohia

10. Dika Lohia

11. Isabel Toua

12. Geua Tom

13. Konio Oala

14. Mairi Tom

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Barramundis Claim First Win Commanding Six-Wicket Victory

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The Papua New Guinea Barramundis have recorded the first win of their tour, defeating Guernsey by six wickets in a Men’s T20I warm-up match.

The victory at the College Field was spearheaded by a blistering 85 from opener Sese Bau, who was named player of the match for his dominant performance.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, PNG’s disciplined bowling attack effectively restricted Guernsey to 165 for 6 from their 20 overs. The Barramundis’ bowlers maintained composure under pressure, with Alei Nao delivering a standout performance, claiming 2 for 21 from his four overs, including the crucial wickets of Lucas Barker and Josh Butler.

Important breakthroughs were also made by Kabua Vagi Morea (1 for 30) and John Kariko (1 for 33), while key run-outs from Sese Bau and Hiri Vare further stalled Guernsey’s innings.

Chasing a competitive total of 165, the Barramundis reached 168 for 4 in 19.2 overs, securing the victory with four balls to spare. PNG’s reply began steadily before Sese Bau launched a dominant innings, smashing 13 fours and two sixes in his 52-ball knock. He kept the scoreboard ticking and ensured the required run rate remained manageable. Bau shared a 99-run stand with Boio Ray, who contributed a fluent 46 off 35 balls, including four boundaries and two maximums.

Captain Assadollah Vala guided the chase home with an unbeaten 14 from 12 balls, supported by Hila George Vaieke Vare’s quickfire 9*. For Guernsey, Charlie Forshaw was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 29 from his four overs.

“Guernsey came hard at us, especially with the bat, but the PNG Barramundis stayed disciplined and trusted our batting,” said Barramundis Coach John Ovia.

The victory levels the team’s confidence and showcases their ability to adapt to foreign conditions and execute under pressure.

The Barramundis will look to carry this winning momentum into their next warm-up fixtures—two 50-over games against Guernsey on Saturday and Sunday; before heading to Jersey to begin the second round of the ICC Challenge League A. In the upcoming series, the Barras will face Denmark, Kuwait, Kenya, Jersey, and Qatar.

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Ashes hopefuls humbled in England Lions’ heavy defeat

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Tim Ward of Tasmania bats during the Marsh Sheffield Shield 2023-24 cricket match between Victoria and Tasmania at CitiPower Centre in Melbourne, Wednesday, November 8, 2023. (AAP Image/Morgan Hancock)

An England A side full of Ashes aspirants has suffered a seven-wicket loss in Brisbane, where opener Tim Ward humbled the touring attack.

Ward, whose status as a player of interest among national selectors was rubber stamped with Wednesday’s Australia A call-up, finished 115 not out as the hosts hauled in a target of 261 at Ian Healy Oval.

Former Test batter Handscomb, who was overlooked for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, scored 57 on day three of the four-day contest to help lift the Cricket Australia XI to victory.

Ward has been signed by Hobart Hurricanes as an injury replacement player, having struck a century for Tasmania in the state’s final game before the mid-season Sheffield Shield break.

Ward completed his century with three sixes and six fours, retiring on 115 when rain interrupted play with the home side requiring a further seven runs.

Offspinner Shoaib Bashir, who has played 15 Tests for England, logged match figures of 1-91 from 21 overs.

John Turner, a 23-year-old paceman who has represented England in one-day and T20 cricket, also failed to shift momentum during Ward’s knock.

England are using the tour as a chance to give young and inexperienced players some exposure in Australian conditions ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes.

Rocky Flintoff, the 16-year-old son of iconic allrounder Andrew, scored 19 and four in his first match of the tour.

The England Lions have another match against a CA XI in Brisbane before facing an Australia A squad, featuring the likes of Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe and Brendan Doggett, in Sydney.

AAP © 2025

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Afghanistan bowls first in 1st ODI against Sri Lanka

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Afghanistan_Sri Lanka_ODI Series_Cricket

HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka — Afghanistan won the toss in the series-opening one-day cricket international and decided to bowl first against Sri Lanka on Friday despite the absence of Rashid Khan.
The star legspinner was ruled out with a lower-back injury but is expected to be back in action for the last game of the three-match series.

Sri Lanka also had injury concerns, with legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out because of a foot problem.
As expected, Sri Lanka handed an ODI debut to fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana after his breakout performances in the Indian Premier League and also gave legspinner Dushan Hemantha his first ODI cap.
Sri Lanka is using the series against Afghanistan to prepare the World Cup qualifying tournament after failing to secure an automatic spot based on its ICC ranking.

Lineups:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dushan Hemantha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Farid Ahmad Malik.

More AP cricket: https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Copyright_Associated Press

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