Lewas heading to NZ

THE Papua New Guinea women’s cricket side has been named to compete at the Pacific Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, next month with the side keen to get the New Year off to a strong start.
The Lewas were surprised by Vanuatu at September’s East Asia Pacific Qualifiers in Port Vila with the elite group in training preparing for another big season of cricket.
The selectors have selected a strong 14-member squad sponsored by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) to compete in the tournament from Jan 14-22.
The squad will travel to New Zealand on Jan 6 for a pre- tournament training camp in Napier before travelling to Auckland for the Pacific Cup matches.
In announcing the team, Cricket PNG also named a new captain for the Lewas.
“We congratulate opening batter and wicketkeeper, Brenda Tau, who has taken over from previous captain, Kaia Arua, who’s dedication to that role and performances have led the Lewas on their journey for the past seven years,” it said in a release.
Cricket PNG congratulated and acknowledged Kaia for her leadership, which has seen Cricket PNG attain its highest T20I ranking ever in either men’s or women’s cricket.
“Kaia will continue to play and contribute to the Lewas going forward as well as supporting Brenda as she gets her leadership tenure underway.
“Brenda Tau has significant international experience and the leadership qualities we were looking for to take the Lewas forward.
“Sibona Jimmy will continue as vice-captain.
The Lewas will play seven matches against quality opposition in the T20 format. Matches against the other Pacific nations will be official T20Is and count for rankings points on the ICC Women’s T20I Rankings Table.
The other teams are New Zealand Maori, Samoa, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.
“We look forward to taking on the New Zealand Maori team, a great initiative by New Zealand Cricket and for the Pacific nations.”
Cricket PNG chief executive officer Richard Done said the Lewas would welcome the opportunity to head to New Zealand early in the New Year.
“Strengthening our relationship with the other Pacific nations is important, and we appreciate the role that New Zealand Cricket has played in supporting all of us to play this tournament there,” he said.
KHPL Lewas: Brenda Tau (c), Sibona Jimmy (vc), Tanya Ruma, Kaia Arua, Pauke Siaka, Isabel Toua, Naoani Vare, Geua Tom, Kevau Frank, Henao Thomas, Vicky Ara’a, Buruka Vicky, Dika Lohia, Erani Pokana.
Pacific Cup Fixtures: Jan 17 – (am) PNG v New Zealand, (pm) PNG v Samoa; Jan 18 – PNG v Cook Islands; Jan 19 – (am) PNG v Vanuatu, (pm) PNG v Fiji; Jan 21 – Finals.