Lewas hoping to break losing streak in final ODI with Zimbabwe

THE Papua New Guinea Lewas are aiming for an improved performance in their last one-day-international (ODI) clash with Zimbabwe today at the Harere Sports Club after a two-wicket loss on Tuesday.
With a target of 125/10 set after 35 overs in their batting inning, Lewas took out wickets starting in the powerplay but fell short by two as the home side surpassed their target with 126/8 to win.
Following their final ODI today, the David Drew-coached side will start their Twenty-20 (T20) series on Saturday against the host.
Drew said it was an excellent finish to what was going to be a quick game.
Zimbabwe won the toss and sent the Lewas into bat where they got off to a rickety start losing skipper Brenda Tau.
“It was not a great start losing Brenda cheaply. A very steady progression of dismissals saw the team post 125 off 38 overs. Six batters got off to starts but no one was able to go on with it to post a 50-70 runs,” Drew said of their performance at the tournament.
“The girls knew they had to bring energy and effort in the field and they did this tremendously well.
“Unfortunately, execution of fielding detracted from the effort they offered as 16 midfield runs and 15 wides assisted the Zimbabwe chase,” the coach after the match.
Henao Thomas was exception in the fielding taking out 3/30 in 8.3 overs but the star was Vicky Ara’a who took out 4/19 in 9 overs adding on to Sibona Jimmy’s 1/35. Drew said a highlight of their performance was a 10-over spell by Isabel Toua with a miserly 0-22 which was outstanding and set the standard for team.
He said the team improved from their first match and they were anticipating one better in today’s match.