PNG Women Set for Australia Tour Before Heading for T20 World Cup Qualifier; Squads Named

The Papua New Guinea Lewas have announced their international tour schedule as the women gear up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026. Cricket PNG Board chairman Michael Harrison claimed, “These tours are key to preparing our team for the T20 Qualifiers.” The upcoming tours will be crucial to the team, considering the World Cup Global Qualifiers aren’t very far away.

The Lewas will be touring Australia from January 3rd to January 9th to participate in the T20s of the Australian Country Championships. This international tour is bound to give them valuable exposure and insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the team while competing against top-tier teams.

After competing in the Australian Country Championships, the squad will be travelling to Nepal from January 11 to February 2. According to the structure of the tournament, 10 teams will be participating in the tournament, out of which only the top 4 teams will qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

In the PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational 2025, the PNG Lewas displayed a show of absolute dominance, where they stunned every other team in the tournament and remained unbeaten to win the title. Their strong brand of cricket was even more visible with the NRR they had stacked up after playing just 4 matches in the tournament.

Isabel Toua was the leading wicket taker for her side with 9 wickets from 4 innings with a healthy average of 3.66, which meant that she would take a wicket after every third ball. Henao Thomas was the leading run scorer for the side with 99 runs. This invitational tour was good enough for the PNG Lewas to understand their weak points, especially in the batting unit, and Isabel Toua will be an integral part of the team’s future.

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Australia Tour Squad:

Brenda Tau (C), Pauke Siaka, Naoani Vare, Henao Thomas, Hollan Doriga, Hane Lohia Tau, Geua Tom, Mairi Tom, Isabel Toua, Brenda Elly, Dika Lohia, Sibona Jimmy, Kevau Frank, Konio Oala, Miria Raio, Lesia Ray, Rollie Mahuru, Loa Ranu, Krystaleigh Alu, Abigail Leka

ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier Squad:

Brenda Tau (C), Pauke Siaka, Naoani Vare, Henao Thomas, Hollen Doriga, Hane Lohia Tau, Geua Tom, Mairi Tom, Isabel Toua, Melanie Ani, Dika Lohia, Sibona Jimmy, Kevău Frank, Konio Oala, Miria Raio