Lewas getting ready

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Papua New Guinea Lewas have stepped up preparations for their international matches following the launch of Women’s Isuzu National Cup (40-over format) tournament in Port Moresby yesterday.
The week-long tournament will see three matches played on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with only two teams, Green and Pink, vying for the Cup.
Tournament director and Lewas assistant coach Mahuru Dai told The National yesterday that the longer formats of the game would help the national team improve their skills.
“It’s a great tournament for the girls to play in a different format,” he said.
“They usually play the 20-over format but they’ve now been put into the 40-over code so this tournament will be competitive and we would like to see them use it to improve their skills.
“It’s a good opportunity for the women to have a feel of the longer format.
“We have the East-Asia Pacific regional qualifier next year, but the dates and venues are yet to be confirmed.
“So we’re using this tournament to prepare for the qualifier.
“The main thing that longer formats teach is patience. The players have to learn to be patient and take their chances when they are either bowling or batting.
“It’s the way of thinking and playing in the shorter formats that players will have to re-adjust from.”
Dai said apart from the national players, the tournament would feature eight academy players and invitees from cricket associations in Port Moresby.