PNG Lewas Claim Inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational 2025

The Papua New Guinea Lewas have finally lifted the trophy as champions of the  PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational with PNG, finishing top of the ladder after an emphatic 94-run  victory over Samoa Women in the final round of the tournament held today (Saturday 21 June) at Amini  Park.  

After six days of competitive cricket, the PNG Lewas delivered a high performance in round 2, match 12  to seal the title with a net run rate (NRR) of 1.6461 and 10 points, narrowly edging out Australia  Indigenous Women (NRR 1.4221), who also finished on 10 points. 

In the final clash, the PNG Lewas displayed an all-round dominant performance, starting with winning the toss and electing to bat.  

The PNG Lewas posted a strong total of 138 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The opening partnership laid score count to win with Naoani Vare anchoring the innings with a composed 30 runs from 43 balls,  striking three boundaries before falling to a return catch by Samoa’s Tuaoloa Helen Semau. Partnering her early on was Melanie Ani, who contributed a steady 19 off 28 deliveries, keeping the scoreboard ticking. 

Momentum picked up in the middle overs with Henao Jean Thomas providing a quick-fire 20 off 17 balls,  including two boundaries. She was supported by Pauke Siaka, who made a brisk 9 off just 6 balls, and  Holland Doriga, whose aggressive knock of 18 off 10 deliveries propelled the Lewas past the 120-run  mark late in the innings.

The finishing touches were expertly delivered by PNG Lewas young talent Lakshmi Rajadurai and Isabel  Toua, both remaining unbeaten. Toua, in particular with a sharp cameo of 10 runs off only 4 balls,  slapping two boundaries to take PNG to a competitive 138.  

Samoa’s bowlers struggled to contain the Lewas, with Tuaoloa Helen Semau and Jacinta Sanele picking up two wickets each, though conceding runs at over nine an over. Extras also proved costly for Samoa,  with 14 wides and two no-balls contributing to a total of 18 extras. 

Samoa Cricket team were bowled out for just 44 runs in 11 overs, as the PNG bowling attack dismantled the batting lineup with ruthless precision. From the outset, Samoa lost wickets at regular intervals. The fielding was equally sharp, with direct run-outs and tight catching backing up the bowlers. No Samoa batter managed to reach double figures. The well-deserved, PNG Lewas' Henao Jean Thomas was named player of the match.  

The tournament began on a challenging note for the PNG Lewas, as they faced a strong Australia  Indigenous Women’s side in the opening fixture. Despite putting up a competitive game, the PNG Lewas fell short in their first outing, marking their only loss of the competition with the Australian Indigenous  Women’s team, claiming an 8-wicket victory. The defeat, however, served as a wake-up call and fueled a fierce comeback. 

On day two, PNG responded in a dominant victory over Vanuatu Women. The team executed their game plan flawlessly, with the batters laying a solid platform and the bowlers executing their lines with precision to register their first win of the tournament securing a confident 35-run victory. 

Building on the win momentum, day three saw the PNG Lewas take on Samoa Women, where the home side once again outclassed their opponents with a four wicket win. Strong performances with both bat and ball allowed PNG to claim back-to-back wins.  

The highlight of the tournament came on day four, when the PNG Lewas met Australia Indigenous  Women for the second time. With redemption in mind and home fans behind them, the Lewas delivered a competitive game to claim a historic win by two wickets. This victory not only avenged their earlier defeat but also shifted the tournament dynamics, putting PNG in strong contention for the top spot. 

On day five, the PNG Lewas continued their winning streak with 35 runs which was another comprehensive performance against Vanuatu Women. This win pushed them closer to the title, heading into the final day. 

The tournament concluded on day six with the Lewas facing Samoa women once more. With the championship on the line between Australia Indigenous and PNG women's cricket teams. PNG delivered one of their most dominant displays of the tournament, beating Samoa to secure the top of the table finish.  

PNG Lewas' Isabel Toua was named Player of the tournament for her explosive balling skills and her  sharp fielding display. Toua was an outstanding player in all six matches contributing to PNG's wins.  

PNG Lewas' captain Brenda Hoi Tau after the trophy presentation said it was her team that brought victory home, naming all players in the PNG Lewas, the coach (coaches and team support staff) and team manager. She thanked the Australia Indigenous Team, the Samoa and Vanuatu teams for putting up a tough competition on field. 

"All the teams we played against were tough, and it really did challenge the PNG Lewas to bring out our skills.  

Also the feeling of playing against great sports teams and women from different countries brings strength to cricket as a sport that brings nations together. It is a great opportunity not only for me but my team, especially for the young cricketers to experience teamwork on field and unity, participation and support off field. This is truly a great initiative"  

She added, "I would like to thank the Australia Government and PacificAus Sports, the Australia High  Commission in PNG, Cricket Australia and Cricket PNG for this tournament and for their support. Thank you  Cricket Samoa and the team, Cricket Vanuatu and the team.