Lewas defer travel for Cup qualifiers

THE national women’s cricket team will not be departing tomorrow, as initially scheduled, for the 50-over World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, according to an official.
Cricket Papua New Guinea general manager Tony Naidu told The National yesterday that they were planning to leave at least weeks in advance of the Nov 21 bat-off, but that was not possible now.
“We are working through changing flights and receiving permission,” he said.
“We will provide an update (on the arrangements) early next week when we have more details.”
The Kaia Arua-captained Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas have been in quarantine all week after completing their in-country preparations under assistant coach Mahuru Dai last Friday.
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council has announced the confirmed fixtures for the qualifiers.
Ten teams have been divided into two groups. The Lewas are in group A with the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The top-three teams in each group will advance to the Dec 1-5 Super Six.
The top-three countries will qualify for the final three spots in the World Cup, which will be held in New Zealand next year.