The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women showcased their dominance in a lopsided match against Papua New Guinea (PNG) Women at Amini Park, winning the third ODI of the 4-match series by an impressive 160 runs. This victory strengthened the UAE’s position in the series and highlighted some vulnerabilities in PNG’s batting lineup.
After winning the toss, the UAE chose to bat first. Their innings was steady, ending at 193 for 7 after the full 50 overs, at a run rate of 3.86. Skipper Esha Oza was dismissed LBW by Henao Thomas for just 6 runs off 13 balls. However, Theertha Satish and the top order steadied the ship, with Satish contributing 26 runs and Vaishnave Mahesh adding 22.
Udeni Dona had the most significant impact, playing a solid innings of 56 off 95 balls, which included six boundaries, before falling to Pauke Siaka. Lavanya Keny also made a valuable contribution with 40 runs from 63 balls, getting dismissed by Mairi Tom and as many as 15 extras pushed the total past 190.
PNG’s bowlers, including Mairi Tom, Henao Thomas, Pauke Siaka, Isabel Toua, and Konio Oala, each took one wicket, but none could make significant inroads into the UAE batting order.
In their chase for 194, PNG’s batting lineup collapsed spectacularly. Bowled out for just 33 runs in 15.4 overs, their innings was turbulent from the start. Naoani Vare, the opener, was dismissed LBW by Suraksha Kotte without scoring. Attempts at resistance from Henao Thomas (11 off 22) and Lakshmi Rajadurai (9 off 32) were short-lived, as the wickets fell quickly afterwards.
Konio Oala (0), Geua Tom (0), Isabel Toua (0), Miria Raio (2), and Mairi Tom (0) all returned to the pavilion cheaply, with many failing to get off the mark. Hane Tau was the only player to hold on, remaining unbeaten with 6 runs from 6 balls amidst the chaos.
For UAE, Samaira Dharnidharka delivered an exceptional performance, taking 4 wickets for just 19 runs in 8 overs, including 3 maidens, effectively dismantling the PNG batting order. Michelle Botha was equally effective in her brief spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 2 runs in 2.4 overs, including the final wicket that sealed the victory. Suraksha Kotte also contributed with a wicket, finishing with figures of (1/12) in 5 overs.
This commanding performance not only solidified the UAE’s dominance in the 4-match series with a 2-1 lead but also underscored the experience and execution gaps between the two teams. For PNG, this match was a stark reminder of the importance of consistency and resilience at this level of competition.
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