Papua New Guinea’s women’s cricket team, known as the Lewas, achieved a significant milestone by securing their first-ever victory in a women’s One Day International (ODI) match on tour in Dubai. The historic win came as the team faced off against the USA in the opening match of an ODI tri-series, which also includes Scotland. This triumph adds to their recent success in women’s cricket, following their first Women’s T20I victory against a Full Member nation, Zimbabwe, in Harare.
The Lewas’ victory was powered by an impressive bowling performance, with Isabel Toua emerging as the Player of the Match for her figures of 4/38 in her allotted 10 overs. She received support from other bowlers, including Henao Thomas (2/33 in 10 overs) and Sibona Jimmy, Vicky Araa, and Geua Tom, who all chipped in with crucial wickets.
In pursuit of a target of 161, the experience of Tanya Ruma shone through with the bat as she anchored the chase with an unbeaten 80 runs from 93 deliveries, guiding Papua New Guinea to victory in the 37th over.
The historic win was not the only momentous occasion for Papua New Guinea cricket. The team and the cricketing community also paid tribute to the late Kaia Arua, a legendary figure in Papua New Guinea cricket who passed away in Port Moresby. Arua, who captained Papua New Guinea in 39 T20Is with official status, played a pivotal role in securing Women’s ODI status for her country.
Arua, the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is for Papua New Guinea, made her international debut in 2010 and assumed the captaincy permanently in 2019. Her contribution to cricket in Papua New Guinea was immense, and her leadership and performances on the field inspired many young cricketers in the country.
The memorial service for Arua at Amini Park saw tributes from former PNG men’s international Mahuru Dai and Cricket PNG CEO Richard Done, along with current and former players and hundreds of fans. Arua’s legacy will continue to inspire the cricketing fraternity in Papua New Guinea, and her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of cricket lovers in the country.
The Lewas’ victory and the tribute to Kaia Arua highlight the growing stature of women’s cricket in Papua New Guinea and serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of players and officials in developing the sport in the country.
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