The undefeated City Pharmacy Ltd. (CPL) PNG Lewas have qualified for the 2017 Women’s World Cup Global Qualifier after beating Samoa by 3 wickets in the ICC East Asia Pacific (EAP) Regional Qualifier at the Samoa Sports Ground today.
With the host country Samoa winning the toss and electing to bat, the Pacific Games’ gold medallists were all bowled out by PNG 95/10 following 39 overs.
CPL PNG Lewas vice-captain Ravini Oa (3/19) was the pick of the bunch sweeping 3 wickets with Veru Frank (2/18), Mairi Tom (2/21) and Konio Oala (2/1) each taking 2 wickets in the first inning.
As PNG commenced batting in the second inning, opening bats-women Sibona Jimmy (12) and Kopi John (0) were dismissed by the 6th over with Captain Pauke Siaka falling short at 11 runs leaving PNG off to a shaky start.
CPL Lewa’s youngest player Brenda Tau stepped to the crease scoring a steady 18 runs giving PNG a fighting chance against Samoa’s defiant bowling attacks.
However PNG once again proved to be the stronger team with Konio Oala (15 n/o) pacing the team to securing the top spot on the qualifying ladder.
The women’s national cricket team remained undefeated throughout the ICC EAP Regional Qualifier to earn the well-deserved spot in the Women’s World Cup Global qualifier.