By John Pangkatana

Copyright postcourier

PNG Lewas crowned East Asia Pacific champions

TRUE Papua New Guinea fighting spirit.

There is no other way to describe these talented women for continuing to put PNG on the world map.

And how timely it was on the eve of PNG celebrating its 50th Independence anniversary – that the PNG Lewas gifted the country with a memorable performance to erase memories of 2023 – by winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier at Suva’s Albert Park, Fiji on Monday.

PNG will now represent the EAP at the ICC Women’s World Cup Global Qualification tournament in Nepal from January 12 to February 2 next year.

The Lewas will be amongst 10 countries vying for four slots for the 2026 T20 World Cup proper, set for June in England and Wales.

With a lot riding on the result, the Lewas added passion with a touch of vengeance to stimulate their determination.

And despite losing to Samoa in the pool matches, this was always their ultimate goal, as the Lewas savoured their best for last to run roughshod with a nine-wicket total domination statement victory over Vanuatu in the Grand Final.

Vanuatu, PNG’s bogey opponent since humbly pushing them off their pedestal in the same tournament two years ago, came across a totally different outfit this time.

PNG 114/1 (15.1 overs) beat Vanuatu 113/9 in a comprehensive win.

Vanuatu sent in to bat first, looked dangerous from the start with their captain Rachael Andrew attacking the PNG bowlers for a quickfire 45 runs off 26 balls, that included 7 fours and 1 six.

The main strike weapon was back in the sheds courtesy of second change bowler Isabel Toua with her right-arm off cutters making the breakthrough.

Less than two overs later, Toua struck again by bowling the other opener Valenta Langiatu (12).

Then five runs later Selina Solman was caught off a Pauke Siaka delivery, PNG was now getting into their stride at the 12th over.

Despite some defiance from the Vanuatu batters, the PNG bowlers dismantled the middle order with their good line and length and astute fielding to restrict their run flow to a gettable 113.

Geua Tom was the pick of the PNG bowlers with 3/15 off her three overs, while Toua 3/18, Henao Thomas 2/15 and Pauke Siaka 1/17 also chimed in.

In reply, despite the early fall of opener Konio Oala (7) at the third over, first-drop in skipper Brenda Tau joined Naoani Vare at the crease to put matters to rest with a statement partnership.

The classy show of authority took 12 overs with Vare blasting 57 of 47 balls, while Tau chipped away in support with 39 from 39 balls to pass the latters total with five overs to spare.

The victory follows their T20 Pacific Cup this year as well, to further affirm their status as the top ranked country amongst the ICC East Asia Pacific competing nations.

The other countries that took part were hosts Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Philippines, Indonesia and Japan.

The Lewas arrived yesterday.