After leveling the four-match series 1-1 against United Arab Emirates Women, the Papua New Guinea Women enter the third ODI with the momentum firmly in their favor. With a brilliant five-wicket haul (5/20), Suraksha Kotte led the UAE’s disciplined bowling in the first ODI, which held PNG to just 93. UAE won by five wickets after Theertha Satish led the chase with an unbeaten 46. Pauke Siaka and Henao Thomas led the bowling attack as PNG recovered well in the second ODI, dismissing the UAE for 143 and calmly chasing the target to tie the score.
The third ODI is expected to be a close match because both teams have displayed opposing strengths in the first two games. The game is scheduled for the 17th of October 2025, starting at 5:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), at Amini Park, Port Moresby.
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 for:
Rajadurai Lakshmi
With a tournament-high 76 runs from two innings at an average of 38.00, Lakshmi Rajadurai has already established herself as a key batter for the PNG Women in the current ODI series. Her steady run-scoring, which demonstrates dependable technique and temperament, offers stability at the top order. She forms alliances and adjusts well to pressure as a right-handed batter. She is a player to keep an eye on.
Henao Thomas
Henao Thomas is another integral figure in PNG’s bowling department, with 6 wickets from 2 ODI innings at an average of 7.00. Bowling off-spin, Thomas complements her teammates by keeping a lid on the scoring and striking when needed. Her knack for taking wickets at crucial moments makes her indispensable in the PNG side. Thomas often applies pressure during the middle overs, limiting the opposition’s scoring options.
Kotte Suraksha
With six wickets from two innings at a respectable average of 5.50, Suraksha Kotte stands out for UAE Women as one of the series’ top wicket-takers. She is a constant threat in the middle overs because of the trouble she has caused PNG’s batters with her right-arm off-breaks. The UAE’s bowling attack benefits from Kotte’s accuracy and turn-generating skills.
Michelle Botha
Michelle Botha’s value for UAE Women lies in her solid batting performance, adding 41 runs in 2 innings. As a reliable right-handed batter, Botha strengthens the UAE middle order with composed knocks. Her ability to rotate strike and find boundaries helps her side build and maintain momentum. Botha’s skill in navigating challenging conditions highlights her adaptability and focus.
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 and spinners tend to enter the contest as the match wears on.
Weather:
The conditions in Port Moresby will be warm with a chance of some thunderstorms in the afternoon—typical tropical weather, hot and humid with showers likely later in the day.
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 17, 2025
Time – 5:00 AM IST
Venue – Amini Park, Port Moresby
Broadcast – T.BC.
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