Lewas one win away from T20 World Cup

PAPUA New Guinea are one step closer to qualifying for next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia after making the semifinals of the qualifiers in Scotland this week.
The City Pharmacy-sponsored Lewas, who finished second in their pool, face Thailand today and the winner progresses to the final but more importantly qualifies for the World Cup (Feb 21-Mar 8, 2020).
The Kaia Aura-captained side upset hosts Scotland (101/5) in their first match on Sunday, winning by six wickets after being set a target of 102 for victory; bowler Sibona Jimmy took 2-16 while wicketkeeper Brenda Tau’s unbeaten 30 off 31 balls helped the Lewas to 102/4.
The second game against Bangladesh on Monday was marred by rain with Bangladesh innings finishing in the 16th over at 103/8. Jimmy featured among the wickets taking 3-10 while Ravini Oa chipped in with 2-17.
The Lewas’ were set a target of 59 runs off eight overs following the Duckworth-Lewis system but could only manage 52/5 with Tanya Ruma’s 13 the highest score.
The third game against USA on Tuesday became a must win for the Lewas to make the semis.
Batting first the Lewas compiled 133/3 with Jimmy this time starring with the bat hitting an unbeaten 58 off 50 balls – the highest score of the competition to date. She also took three wickets (3-15) helping to restrict the Americans to 94/7 giving PNG a 39-run win and a finals spot.
With the possible inclusion of Kaia Arua and Mairi Tom, who both missed the USA game, the CPL Lewas go into today’s semifinal against Thailand confident they can qualify for their first World Cup.