PNG Lewas crowned champions of inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational

The Papua New Guinea Lewas have been crowned champions of the inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational, following a dominant 94-run victory over Samoa Women in the final round of the tournament at Amini Park on Saturday.

After six days of intense competition, the Lewas secured the title by topping the ladder with 10 points and a net run rate of 1.6461, narrowly edging out the Australia Indigenous Women’s team [NRR 1.4221], who also finished on 10 points.

In their final match, PNG won the toss and elected to bat, posting a formidable total of 138 for 6 in 20 overs. The opening partnership set a solid foundation with Naoani Vare anchoring the innings with 30 runs from 43 balls, including three boundaries. Melanie Ani added 19 off 28 deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving.

Momentum accelerated in the middle overs thanks to a quick-fire 20 off 17 balls from Henao Jean Thomas, supported by brisk knocks from Pauke Siaka (9 off 6) and Holland Doriga (18 off 10). The innings was rounded off by impressive cameos from young talents Lakshmi Rajadurai and Isabel Toua, who remained unbeaten. Toua struck two boundaries in a sharp 10 off just 4 balls to help PNG post a competitive total.

Samoa’s bowling unit struggled to contain the Lewas. While Tuaoloa Helen Semau and Jacinta Sanele each claimed two wickets, they proved expensive, conceding over nine runs per over. Extras were costly for Samoa, with 14 wides and two no-balls adding to a total of 18 extra runs.

In response, Samoa were bowled out for just 44 runs in 11 overs, undone by a ruthless PNG bowling attack and sharp fielding. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and no batter managed to reach double figures. The Lewas dominated in all departments, with accurate bowling, direct run-outs, and tight catching.

Henao Jean Thomas was named Player of the Match for her all-round contribution.

The victory capped off a remarkable tournament for the PNG Lewas, who bounced back from an opening-round defeat to the Australia Indigenous Women’s team. Despite a strong effort in that match, PNG lost by eight wickets — their only defeat in the tournament.

The setback sparked a resurgence. On day two, PNG claimed a 35-run win over Vanuatu Women, showcasing disciplined batting and precise bowling. Day three brought another victory against Samoa Women, this time by four wickets, as the Lewas continued to build momentum.

The highlight came on day four in a rematch against the Australia Indigenous Women. Fueled by redemption, the Lewas played a thrilling match and secured a historic two-wicket win, shifting the balance of the tournament in their favour.

They maintained their winning streak on day five with another commanding 35-run victory over Vanuatu Women, setting the stage for their title-clinching showdown on the final day.

Isabel Toua was named Player of the Tournament for her explosive bowling and standout fielding performances across all six matches.

Following the trophy presentation, PNG Lewas captain Brenda Hoi Tau credited the victory to a total team effort.

“This win belongs to all of us — every player, our coaches, support staff, and management,” she said. “All the teams we faced were tough and challenged us to raise our game. Playing against strong women from different countries was inspiring and showed how sport unites nations.”

She also extended her gratitude to the tournament’s organisers and partners.

“I want to sincerely thank the Australian Government, PacificAus Sports, the Australian High Commission in PNG, Cricket Australia, and Cricket PNG for making this possible. Special thanks as well to Cricket Samoa and Cricket Vanuatu and their teams for the great competition.”