Australia Indigenous women cruise to victory as rain halts Samoa-Vanuatu clash in PacificAus opener

The inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational bowled off in style at Amini Park on Sunday, with the Australia Indigenous Women’s team defeating Papua New Guinea by 8 wickets in a confident and disciplined display.

PNG, sent in to bat first, posted a modest 108 for 6 in 20 overs. Captain Brenda Hoi Tau anchored the innings with a composed 46 off 46 deliveries, striking six boundaries. Henao Jean Thomas added 18 runs, while Konio Oala contributed a handy unbeaten 13 late in the innings. Despite their efforts, the Lewas found it difficult to accelerate, facing a tight and consistent bowling performance from the visitors.

Australia Indigenous Women delivered a balanced bowling attack, led by Captain Christina Coulson, who claimed 2 wickets for just 10 runs in her 3-over spell. Ella Hayward, Clodagh Ryall, and Callee Black each picked up a wicket as the visitors applied constant pressure through tight fielding and sharp tactics.

In response, the Australian side chased down the target with ease, reaching 109 for 2 in 18 overs, thanks to a confident top-order performance that saw them seal victory with two overs to spare.

This match marked a strong start to what promises to be an exciting tournament that brings together women's cricket teams from across the Pacific. The event is hosted by Cricket PNG, supported by PacificAus Sports and the Australian Government, with a mission to foster sporting excellence and cultural ties between Australia and Pacific nations.

Meanwhile, the second match scheduled for the day between Vanuatu Women and Samoa Women was unfortunately abandoned due to rain just 1.3 overs into Samoa’s chase.

Vanuatu, batting first, posted a competitive 116 for 9 in 20 overs, thanks to a steady 34 from Valenta Langiatu and useful middle-order contributions from Nasimana Navaika [27] and Susan Stephen [19 off 11 balls].

Samoa’s bowlers kept things tight, with Taalili Iosefo starring with 3 wickets for 19, while Tuaoloa Helen Semau picked up 2 for 14. Carol Agafili and Jacinta Sanele also chipped in with a wicket each to restrict Vanuatu’s momentum.

However, their chase was cut short at 12 for 2 after just 1.3 overs when heavy rain set in. Despite the efforts of ground staff, the conditions did not improve, and the match was officially called off.