The 1st ODI between Papua New Guinea Women and United Arab Emirates is set to be played at Amini Park, Port Moresby, on October 13th, 2025, marking the beginning of a crucial four-match series for both teams. Both sides come into the contest with fresh ambitions: UAE are keen to build on their recently drawn ODI series in Zimbabwe, while PNG Women make a return to 50-over cricket after securing their ODI status for the next ICC Women’s World Cup cycle.
Squads:
Papua New Guinea Women’s Cricket Team
Konio Oala, Lakshmi Rajadurai, Melanie Ani, Naoani Vare, Henao Thomas, Hollan Doriga, Pauke Siaka, Brenda Tau, Dika Lohia, Erani Pokana, Geua Tom, Hane Tau, Isabel Toua, Mairi Tom
United Arab Emirates Women’s Cricket Team
Esha Oza, Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish, Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh
Players to watch out:
Naoani Vare
Naoani Vare, a right-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer for Papua New Guinea Women, has been a consistent performer in the ODI format. In her 9 matches, she has scored 160 runs at an average of 17.77, with the highest score of 44. Her steady batting provides depth in the middle order, while her bowling remains a useful secondary skill. She maintains a strike rate of 43.61, reflecting her patient approach. Her fielding contributions add further value to her all-round presence.
Brenda Tau
Brenda Tau, a left-handed batter and wicketkeeper for Papua New Guinea Women, has been pivotal behind the stumps and with the bat. In 9 ODIs, she has accumulated 195 runs at an average of 21.66, with a top score of 72. Her ability to anchor the innings while also rotating strike plays a crucial role in the team’s batting stability. As a wicketkeeper, she brings energy and sharp glovework, complementing the bowlers effectively. Her strike rate of 57.01 reflects her capability to accelerate when required.
Heena Hotchandani
Heena Hotchandani, a left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler for the United Arab Emirates Women, brings control and variety to the bowling attack. In 4 ODIs, she has scored 119 runs, contributing from the lower order with the highest score of 40 and an average of 29.75. She is quickly emerging as a reliable all-round option for the UAE side.
Athige Silva
Athige Thalika Saathishta Silva, a right-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer for the United Arab Emirates Women, offers valuable all-round skills. In 3 ODIs, she has claimed 5 wickets at an average of 24.80, showcasing her utility in breaking partnerships. Her bowling economy of 4.96 and best bowling figures of 3 for 46 underlines her role as a disciplined medium pacer.
Pitch:
The pitch at Amini Park in Port Moresby is known for producing moderately balanced playing conditions, featuring a firm surface that offers good bounce for fast bowlers but also enables batters to play their strokes confidently once settled, while spinners tend to enter the contest as the match wears on.
Weather:
Weather in Port Moresby is characterized by tropical humidity and warm temperatures, with daytime highs regularly ranging from 29°C to 32°C and sticky conditions prevailing throughout.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Naoani Vare, Henao Thomas, Hollan Doriga, Pauke Siaka, Brenda Tau, Esha Oza, Al Lavanya Keny, Michelle Botha, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish, Vaishnave Mahesh
Match Details:
Date – October 13, 2025
Time – 5:00 AM IST
Venue – Amini Park, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
