In an impressive display during the fourth match of their bilateral series, Papua New Guinea Women achieved a solid victory over the United Arab Emirates Women, winning by 78 runs at Amini Park in Port Moresby. This win not only highlighted PNG’s strength on home soil but also showcased the increasing competitiveness of women’s cricket among associate nations.
After winning the toss, PNG decided to bat first and set a total of 210 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The innings featured two significant partnerships. The first was a steady buildup in the middle overs, while the latter stages saw an exhilarating surge in scoring.
Pauke Siaka was the standout performer, making 60 runs from 63 balls with four boundaries, while Hollan Doriga supported her well with a quick 48 off 61 balls, including six fours and one six. Konio Oala also contributed a lively 22 runs off just 20 deliveries, hitting two fours and two sixes in a spirited cameo.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the PNG stayed composed. They formed crucial partnerships whenever needed and consistently maintained a run rate that kept them ahead. However, they may want to work on their extras, which totalled 21 and included no-balls and wides.
Chasing a target of 211, the UAE Women found themselves struggling to build momentum. They were bowled out for 132 runs in 42.4 overs, unable to recover after some early setbacks. The fall of wickets painted a grim picture: they were 14-1 early on, followed by collapses to 18-2 and 5-59. Although the middle order showed some resistance, PNG’s bowlers were disciplined and effective.
Samaira Dharnidharka was the top scorer for the UAE, managing 45 runs off 68 balls (with six fours) but lacked the support to make a significant impact. Opener Theertha Satish added 23 runs off 36 balls, but could not shift the momentum in favour of her team. Esha Rohit’s promising start of 9 runs off 12 balls didn’t lead to a bigger innings.
PNG’s bowlers executed their plans brilliantly. Pauke Siaka led the charge with impressive figures of 10 overs, 3 maidens, 18 runs conceded, and 1 wicket at an excellent economy of 1.80. Isabel Toua took 2 wickets for just 23 runs in 8 overs, effectively dismantling the UAE tail, while Dika Lohia also took two in her four overs. Henao Thomas and Geua Tom contributed with one wicket each, showing a well-rounded bowling effort.
From a series perspective, this victory boosts PNG’s confidence and momentum at home, drawing the 4-match ODI series 2-2. For the UAE Women, the tour presented a challenging learning experience in foreign conditions.
However, the promising performances from Dharnidharka and Satish hint at a bright future for the team. This series marks a significant milestone as the first WODI bilateral encounter between the two nations and emphasises the growth of women’s cricket at the associate level.
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