In the opening match of their four-ODI series at Amini Park, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Women were defeated by the United Arab Emirates Women by 5 wickets. PNG were bowled out for just 93 runs in 33.2 overs, with Suraksha Kotte starring with the ball for UAE by taking 5 wickets for 20 runs. The UAE comfortably chased down the target in 33.1 overs, led by Theertha Satish’s steady 46* runs.
The second ODI between Papua New Guinea Women and United Arab Emirates Women, on 15th of October 2025, promises to be more competitive as the home side aims to bounce back strongly in front of their supporters. Amini Park offers a balanced pitch that suits both batters and bowlers, making this an evenly poised encounter. Both teams will be eager to capitalize on their strengths, with UAE Women looking to consolidate their lead and PNG Women fighting to level the series in this morning game starting at 5:30 AM IST.
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:
Lakshmi Rajadurai
Lakshmi Rajadurai was PNG’s top contributor with the bat, scoring 31 runs in a gritty display of resistance. Facing disciplined UAE bowling, she showed good technique and temperament. Her innings of 31 off 90 balls held PNG’s middle order together and added valuable runs. Though she couldn’t convert it into a bigger score, her effort stabilized PNG’s innings.
Pauke Siaka
Pauke Siaka was PNG Women’s most effective bowler in the series opener, delivering a spirited effort with the ball. She picked up 3 wickets for just 8 runs in 6 overs, maintaining a remarkable economy rate of 1.33. Her disciplined bowling and subtle variations restricted UAE’s scoring opportunities. Siaka’s spell displayed her ability to build pressure and claim key breakthroughs.
Theertha Satish
Theertha Satish led the batting charts with a composed knock that anchored UAE’s innings. Her unbeaten 46* came off 87 deliveries, showcasing patience and precise shot selection. She rotated the strike efficiently while capitalizing on loose deliveries. Playing under pressure, Theertha ensured UAE chased or set a solid foundation with stability.
Suraksha Kotte
Suraksha Kotte emerged as the standout bowler with a match-winning spell that dismantled the PNG lineup. She claimed an impressive five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 20 in 10 overs. Her accurate line and attacking lengths kept batters under constant pressure. With an economy of just 2.00, she maintained complete control throughout her spell.
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. Spinners tend to enter the contest as the match wears on, with the pitch gradually becoming slower and aiding some turn.
Weather:
The conditions in Port Moresby will be warm and mostly cloudy, with a high near 30°C and a low around 24°C. You can expect isolated thunderstorms late in the day, but much of the morning and afternoon should stay partly dry with light breezes and moderate humidity.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Naoani Vare, Henao Thomas, Lakshmi Rajadurai, Pauke Siaka, Brenda Tau, Esha Oza, Al Lavanya Keny, Michelle Botha, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish, Vaishnave Mahesh
Match Details:
Date – October 15, 2025
Time – 5:00 AM IST
Venue – Amini Park, Port Moresby
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
Loves all things female cricket