Papua New Guinea have announced a 14-member PNG Lewas squad for the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, to be played in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25. The expanded second edition will feature 10 teams, up from eight in the inaugural tournament in Thailand, and brings together five Full Member Nations, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Pakistan, with five Associate Nations: Papua New Guinea, Scotland, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands and Thailand.
PNG have been drawn in Group A alongside Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland and hosts the United Arab Emirates. Their campaign begins on Thursday, November 12, against Scotland, before they face Sri Lanka on Sunday, November 15. The Lewas will then meet Ireland on November 16 and conclude their group stage against the UAE on November 18. The group winners will advance to the next league phase, where qualification spots will be contested between November 20 and 25.
Papua New Guinea Squad:
Brenda Tau, Pauke Siaka, Tanya Ruma, Dika Lohia, Geua Tom, Hane Tau, Henao Thomas, Hollen Doriga, Erani Pokana, Lakshmi Rajaduri, Naoani Vare, Baruka Vicky, Sibona Jimmy, Kevau Gabe
The touring party will be led by head coach Tim McCaskill, assisted by Mahuru Dai, with Anthea Murray serving as team manager and India White as physiotherapist.
The squad departed Port Moresby for Brisbane, Australia, before travelling on to Ajman for the tournament. For a PNG side operating in a demanding international environment, the trip represents more than a short-term competitive assignment. It is an opportunity to gain valuable exposure against a diverse field of opponents, sharpen their skills under pressure and continue building the competitiveness required to hold their own on the global stage.
The tournament also forms an important part of PNG’s longer-term development towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 qualification pathway. To reach that global event, the Lewas will need to progress through the official ICC qualifying process, making every opportunity to test themselves against higher-ranked and Full Member opposition particularly significant.
For PNG, the presence of Sri Lanka, Ireland and the UAE in their group provides a clear measure of where the side stands. Sri Lanka brings established international pedigree, Ireland offers a physically demanding and experienced challenge, while Scotland and the UAE will be familiar Associate rivals with their own ambitions of progressing deep into the tournament. PNG’s ability to compete consistently across all four matches could shape both their immediate results and their broader confidence heading into future qualification campaigns.
The squad blends experienced campaigners with players looking to establish themselves at this level. Brenda Tau, Pauke Siaka and Tanya Ruma bring leadership and international know-how, while the inclusion of players such as Lakshmi Rajaduri, Baruka Vicky and Kevau Gabe reflects Cricket PNG’s commitment to developing depth across the Lewas programme. That balance will be crucial in a tournament where adaptability, discipline and composure are likely to decide tight contests.
With the expanded format raising the stakes and the pathway to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup in view, PNG head to Ajman with a clear purpose. The Lewas may begin as one of the tournament’s Associate sides, but their focus will be firmly on turning experience into results and strengthening their place in international women’s cricket.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.