Sport
Lewas to face Scotland in opener
PNG Lewas in action during one of their recent international tours overseas (Supplied)
The PNG Lewas will play their first fixture against Scotland today as the 2026 ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy get underway in Ahj-man in the United Arab Emirates.
The women’s national cricket team is among five teams competing in the T20 tournament.
They departed the country on Monday to compete at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, as the T20 tournament returns for its second year.
This time it is hosted in Ahjman, United Arab Emirates and began its first day of tournament yesterday and will run through to November 26.
Lewas are one of five teams set to compete in the Group A including Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka and hosts U-A-E.
This follows after ICC added two more slots to total up to 10 teams divided in two groups.
The PNG Lewas will use the international competition as an important opportunity to build experience, improve their competitiveness and continue strengthening their position in international women's cricket.
The tournament also forms part of the team's broader development towards the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2028 qualification pathway, which will require PNG to progress through the official ICC qualifying process.
This also marks PNGs second appearance after the inaugural tournament was played in Thailand as the Lewas finished fifth overall.
Prior to departure, Cricket PNG named its 14-player squad to be led by veteran wicketkeeper and captain Brenda Tau with support from experienced cricketers, Pauke Siaka, Tanya Ruma and Sibona Jimmy in this tournament as the team is coached by Tim McCaskill and Mahuru Dai.
The group winners will then make it to the next league challenge to compete to qualify between dates, Friday 20 to Wednesday 25, November, based on the ICC tournament fixture.
Meanwhile the Lewas are scheduled to play their first match against Scotland today at the Seven Districts Ground batting off at 3:30pm PNG Local time.
PNG Lewas Squad: Brenda Tau, Pauke Siake, Tanya, Dika Lohia, Geua Tom, Hane Tau, Henao Thomas, Hollen Doriga, Erani Pokana, Lakshmi Rajaduri, Naoani Vare, Buruka Vicky, Sibona Jimmy, Kevau Gabe
Team Management: Tim McCaskill (Head Coach), Mahuru Dai (Coach), Anthea Murray (Team Manager), India White (Physiotherapist)