Lewas gearing up for ODI tour in Zimbabwe

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Papua New Guinea women’s cricket team are preparing for their one-day international (ODI) tour in Zimbabwe next month before going to the United Arab Emirates for similar fixtures.
Cricket PNG chief executive officer Richard Done said the PNG Lewas would kick off the first week of the Twenty-20 (T20) Smash competition at Amini Park prior to departing for their tour.
Done said there were exciting competition for the women’s team lined up this year including a tour in the Netherlands later this year and an invitational tournament in Australia towards the end of the year.
“The Lewas, they will go away in March to Zimbabwe, the girls will play three ODI and three T20 against Zimbabwe then to UAE where they’ll play another two ODIs against USA and Scotland,” Done said.
“Really exciting competition for the girls as we have the Isuzu T20 Smash over six weekends.
“The first weekend will see the women’s group stage then the Lewas go away for their tour, after they return they’ll play the second group part of their competition then the finals.”
Done added that CPNG was working hard to ensure they delivered a quality programme for its international and domestic series.
Meanwhile, Lewas assistant coach Mahuru Dai told The National yesterday that team was working hard at training with preparations going well so far for the team.
“After coming back from New Zealand (Pacific Cup), the girls have been preparing well, it’s just this week we’ve had rain so it has affected our preparation,” said Dai.
“But otherwise the team has been working hard through their skills as well as strength and conditioning training.
“They are now focused on individual areas for both batters and bowlers. Most importantly on the fielding we’re practicing more catches.”
CPNG is expected to announce the travelling squad for the team closer to departure date.