PNG Lewas celebrate their final win over Vanuatu in Suva. Photo: ICC-EAP/Cricket PNG Photo: ICC-EAP/Cricket PNG
The Papua New Guinea women's team has won the 2025 ICC Women's T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier in Suva.
The win on Monday secured their spot at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier in Nepal.
The Lewas defeated Vanuatu by nine wickets, with 29 balls remaining at Albert Park in the Fijian capital.
Vanuatu - the winners last year - elected to bat first and scored 113 runs, while they lost nine wickets in 20 overs.
Captain Rachel Andrew top-scored with 45 runs for her side, followed by Susan Stephen who managed 23 runs.
But PNG Lewas were on fire, and went to work straightaway when it was their turn to bat.
Naoni Vare claimed 57 runs, while captain Brenda Tau claimed 39.
The Lewas scored 114 runs in 15.1 overs, with eight players yet to bat.
Tau said they are looking forward to the world cup qualifier after a good team campaign in Suva.
"It's indeed a team effort," she told Cricket PNG.
"Honestly, I'm really happy. You know, I feel excited on what's coming ahead.
"Today was just a great team effort out there, knowing that we work so hard for this."
She said the team has a good mix of younger and senior players.
Claiming the final win and the qualifier spot at a time when PNG is celebrating its independence was worth more than just winning a cricket title.
"It's really emotional to the girls," she said.
"When I was batting, I was looking back to our tent and just looking at my girls and saying, Wow, you know, I'm so proud to be part of this team, and I'm just really happy the girls were indeed emotional."
Cricket PNG said they were over the moon with the win, "on the day of our Independence Celebration, September 15, the PNG Lewas brought our country to a win! We are ready for the World Cup 2026 in Nepal".
Cricket PNG Board chairman Michael Harrison said the win in Suva was a great gift for PNG on its Independence Day celebrations.
"For half a century, Cricket PNG has been the heartbeat of our nation's love for the sport, nurturing talent, fostering community spirit, and bringing us all together through the power of cricket," he said in a message he gave.
"When we think back to the beginning of this journey, we realize that the path hasn't always been easy. But through dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the game, Cricket PNG has evolved into a symbol of pride and achievement for the entire country.
"Nothing was even prouder to see the PNG Lewas winning the Grand Final of the EAP World Cup Qualifiers in Fiji at the EAP World cup Qualifier.
"What a present for our country on the eve of PNG 50th Anniversary."
Top scorer Vare was named 'Player of the Match'.
Naoni Vare was named 'Player of the Match' Photo: ICC-EAP/Cricket PNG
Cricket PNG said the team will now begin preparations with the aim to win one of the four spots available for the T20 World Cup in England and Wales.
PNG will face Nepal, Bangladesh, Scotland, United States of America, Thailand, Ireland, Netherlands, Zimbabwe and Namibia in the Global Qualifier.
