The third match of the Women’s T20 Quadrangular Series in Thailand proved to be a nail-biting, low-scoring tussle, ultimately falling in favour of Papua New Guinea (PNG) Women as they secured a six-wicket victory over Namibia Women.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Namibia was bundled out for a meager total of just 74 runs in 19.4 overs. In the end, a composed partnership from Vare and Tau steered them home, winning by 6 wickets with five balls to spare.
Namibia’s decision to bat first quickly backfired as the PNG bowlers established an iron grip on the scoring rate from the first over. Both openers were dismissed for ducks and brief resistance followed; with Yasmeen Khan top-scoring with 23 runs off 29 balls, the only batter to cross 20. The entire side was dismissed for 74 in 19.4 overs—a total far below what they would have targeted.
The credit for Namibia’s collapse must go squarely to the exceptional discipline of the PNG bowling unit, which saw four bowlers claim 2 wickets apiece. Mairi Tom was particularly miserly, taking 2 wickets for just 8 runs off 3.4 overs (Economy 2.18). She was ably supported by Isabel Toua (2/12 in 4 overs) and Pauke Siaka (2/13 in 4 overs).
The collective pressure suffocated the opposition’s run flow, forcing the Namibian middle and lower order to take risks, which resulted in more catches for a sharp PNG fielding side.
With only 75 required for victory, PNG might have expected a brisk and comfortable stroll. However, Namibia’s bowlers, refusing to give up the fight, quickly reminded PNG that no target is truly easy. They matched the intensity shown by PNG’s fielders and picked up crucial early wickets, including the loss of the 4th wicket at 40 runs in the 10th over.
It took the maturity of Naoani Vare and the consistency of Brenda Tau to stabilize the chase. The pair understood the assignment: don’t panic, absorb the pressure, and keep the scoreboard ticking.
They knitted together a vital, unbroken 5th wicket partnership of 35 runs to seal the win. Vare’s resilience (23* runs off 49 balls, including 2 fours) and Tau’s calm anchoring role (27* runs off 35 balls, including 3 fours) were instrumental, neutralizing the threat posed by Namibia’s spin attack.
Despite the low score, Namibia’s bowlers refused to make things easy. Wilka Mwatile was the standout, taking 2 wickets for a brilliant 7 runs in her 4 overs. Victoria Hamunyela also bowled with exceptional control, giving away just 14 runs and picking up a wicket to keep her team in the contest.
PNG finally reached the target of 75/4 in 19.1 overs, winning by six wickets. While the margin was comfortable in terms of wickets remaining, the match felt much closer, reflecting the tenacity of both teams.
The victory hands PNG a crucial two points in the Quadrangular Series standings and provides a confidence boost, especially after the determined fight they faced today, while Namibia will reflect on a missed opportunity with the bat that overshadowed an outstanding bowling effort.
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