Cricket PNG Announces PNG Lewas Squad for Women’s EAP T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Fiji

Cricket Papua New Guinea (CPNG) has officially announced the national women’s team, the PNG Lewas, who will represent Papua New Guinea at the East Asia Pacific (EAP) T20 World Cup Qualifier from 7th–15th September, 2025, in Fiji.

The qualifiers will bring together some of the strongest women’s cricket teams in the Pacific, with the  Lewas set to face Fiji, the Cook Islands, Indonesia, Samoa, Japan, Vanuatu, and the Philippines. The winner of this tournament will progress to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. 

Chairman of Cricket PNG, Michael Harrison, said the Lewas had prepared well to carry the hopes of the nation. 

“The PNG Lewas have consistently shown their fighting spirit and commitment to the game. We are confident they will make Papua New Guinea proud in Fiji and push strongly for a place in the World  Cup,” Mr. Harrison said. 

The 14-player squad was announced by Deputy Chairman Rarua Dikana on behalf of the CPNG Board,  the National Selectors, and the management.  

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 

Coach Mahuru Dai will be leading the PNG Lewas to Fiji. During the media conference yesterday, he gave an update on the team's training saying: "Our preparation has been good. We have been training for nine weeks to prepare for this coming tournament, and the girls are doing well at the moment. 

"In our preparation, we have been working on two weeks of remedial and two weeks of technical,  tactics, and this includes the last three weeks. We have the second-last week and the last week of competition mode.

“I am sure the PNG Lewas are ready to play for the tournament, and we are all looking forward to it. I am very confident that this team will deliver a strong performance in Fiji.” 

Captain Brenda Tau, on behalf of the PNG Lewas, thanked the coaches, team manager, and Cricket PNG for the internal support. She also thanked the media for the coverage and team promotion this year.  

The Lewas will open their campaign on Tuesday, 9th September, at Albert Park, Suva, as part of the tournament’s group stages, leading into the semi-finals on 13th September and the finals on 15th September. 

PNG Lewas will depart for Brisbane on 31st August for one week of training and practice matches, before heading to Fiji on 7th September for the EAP T20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier. Only one winner from this qualifier will advance to the Global Qualifier in Nepal in January 2026. 

Cricket PNG extends its gratitude to everyone who has been backing women’s cricket and the PNG  Lewas.