Image Credit: One papa new guinea
The national women’s cricket team of Papua New Guinea, the Lewas, stands on the brink of creating history as they gear up to face Ireland at the World 20-20 qualifying tournament in the Netherlands. With a triumph in this match, the Lewas will secure a place in the final and, most importantly, a spot in the World 20-20 finals series in the West Indies alongside the elite sports teams, including the powerhouse Australia. This is an opportunity for the Lewas to make a statement on the world stage and solidify their place among the elite teams in international cricket.
Team Lewas
They are introducing the fierce and talented national women’s cricket team of Papua New Guinea, the Lewas. This dynamic group of athletes has been making waves in the world of cricket, earning a reputation for their exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork. With a legacy spanning several years, the Lewas have consistently demonstrated their proficiency on the field and have become a force to be reckoned with in the sport. Whether competing on the regional or international stage, the Lewas always bring their A-game and never fail to impress. As they gear up for their next tournament, the world looks on in anticipation to see what the Lewas will achieve next. The women’s players are:
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- Kaia Arua (Captain)
- Tanya Ruma (Vice Captain)
- Pauke Siaka
- Mairi Tom
- Brenda Hoi Tau (Wicket Keeper)
- Hollan Doriga
- Sibona Lucy Jimmy
- Isabel Toua
- Vicky ARA’A
- Kevau Rakatani Frank
- Henao Jean Thomas
- Naoani Vare
- Veru Kila Frank
- Ravini Oa
- Geua Tom
- Melanie Nadea Ani
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The Journey
The national women’s cricket team of Papua New Guinea, the Lewas, has been making a name for themselves on the international stage since their debut in September 2006. They were pitted against Japan in a three-match series to determine which team would represent the ICC East Asia-Pacific (EAP) region at the 2008 World Cup Qualifier. They emerged victorious with a three-nil series win. However, despite this strong start, the team’s performance at the World Cup Qualifier was less successful, winning only two matches against Bermuda.
In the years that followed, the team failed to qualify for either the 2011 World Cup Qualifier or the 2013 World Twenty20 Qualifier, with Japan representing the EAP region on both occasions. However, the Lewas demonstrated their resilience by participating in and performing well in events such as the 2015 Pacific Games, which was hosted by Papua New Guinea and had included women’s cricket for the first time, and the 2015 World Twenty20 Qualifier, where they placed fifth out of eight teams.
In April 2018, the ICC granted full Women’s Twenty20 International (WT20I) status to all its members, which enabled all Twenty20 matches played between Papua New Guinea women and another international side after July 2018 to be considered full WT20I. In May 2022, the ICC granted Papua New Guinea and four other women’s cricket teams Women’s One Day International (ODI) status as well. The Lewas, led by Australian Kath Hempenstall since 2021, continue to strive for greatness despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The national women’s cricket team of Papua New Guinea, the Lewas, stands ready to write its chapter in the annals of sports history. With a legacy spanning several years, the Lewas have established themselves as a formidable force in the world of cricket, earning a reputation for their exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork. The team members include players such as Kaia Arua (Captain), Tanya Ruma (Vice Captain), Pauke Siaka, Mairi Tom, Brenda Hoi Tau (Wicket Keeper), and many other talented women cricketers. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, the Lewas have consistently demonstrated their proficiency on the field and have become a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
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