PNG Lewas gear up for Thailand series with launch of women’s 50-over tournament

PNG Lewas squad will be determined in the Isuzu T50 match scheduled for this week at Amini Park in Port Moresby *(Image: Supplied)*

Cricket Papua New Guinea has officially launched the Boroko Motors Women's ISUZU 50-Over Tournament, a key high-performance competition set to sharpen the national women’s team, the PNG Lewas, ahead of their upcoming home series against Thailand.

The three-day tournament, an offshoot of the premier Isuzu Smash domestic competition, kicks off today at Amini Park in Port Moresby, with subsequent matches scheduled for July 29 and July 31.

A total of 42 players have been divided into three representative squads of 14: the Black Bass, the Mariners, and the Cassowaries. The roster brings together Cricket PNG contracted players alongside rising talent selected from across the country, including Alotau-Milne Bay, Morobe, Central Province, and the National Capital District.

The tournament serves as a primary selection and staging ground for the PNG Lewas before they host the Thailand Women's National Cricket Team in Port Moresby during the second week of August.

Cricket PNG High Performance Coach Tim McCaskill said match practice in longer formats ahead of international fixtures was crucial.

"This tournament provides our players with an opportunity to play quality 50-over cricket in a domestic, competitive environment as we build towards the international series against Thailand," McCaskill said. "It gives us an opportunity to assess performances, strengthen combinations, and ensure our players are ready for the challenges ahead."

In addition to elite player development, the tournament is structured to advance local coaching talent. Experienced national coaches John Ovia [Cassowaries] and Jason Kila [Mariners] are joined by Gomea Lohia, who takes the helm of the Black Bass.

"We are equally focused on developing our coaching depth," McCaskill added. "Having Gomea Lohia lead one of the teams alongside experienced coaches John Ovia and Jason Kila is an important part of our coach development pathway and investing in the future of cricket in PNG."

Umpire Lakani Oala (middle) with Cassowaries captain Brenda Tau (left) and Henao Thomas of BlackBass *(Image: Supplied)*

The tournament continues a fruitful partnership with title sponsor Boroko Motors, following their recent sponsorship of the Men's ISUZU T20 Smash.

Cricket PNG Tournament Director Rarua Dikana expressed gratitude for the ongoing corporate support, stating that partnerships like this are vital to expanding the women's game.

"Boroko Motors has been a valued partner of Cricket PNG, and we thank them for their continued investment," Dikana said. "Their support allows us to provide meaningful playing opportunities for our athletes while strengthening the pathway for women's cricket in Papua New Guinea."

All matches are open to the public and will take place at Amini Park, commencing at 10:00 a.m. local time:

Monday, 27 July: Black Bass vs. Cassowaries [Resting: Mariners]

Wednesday, 29 July: Mariners vs. Cassowaries [Resting: Black Bass]

Friday, 31 July: Black Bass vs. Mariners [Resting: Cassowaries]

Cricket PNG has invited local fans and families to attend the matches at Amini Park this week to support the nation's top female cricketers as they prepare for international competition.