Australia Indigenous Women Win Opening Match Against PNG for the Inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – The Inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational kicked off today with a competitive match by the Australian Indigenous Women’s team, who claimed an 8 wicket victory over the Papua New Guinea team in the opening match held at Amini Park.
After being sent in to bat first, tournament hosts PNG posted a total of 108 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Top-scoring for PNG was captain Brenda Hoi Tau, who set the innings with a solid 46 off 46 balls, including six boundaries. Henao Jean Thomas contributed with 18 runs, while Konio Oala added a quick 13 not out towards the end. Despite their efforts, the Lewas struggled to pick up score due to a disciplined bowling attack from the visitors.
Australia Indigenous Women’s bowlers delivered a well-rounded performance. Team Captain Christina Coulson led the attack with 2 wickets for just 10 runs in her 3 overs, while Ella Hayward, Clodagh Ryall, and Callee Black each chipped in with a wicket. The team’s fielding and pressure in the middle overs restricted PNG from effective score opportunities.
The Australia Indigenous Women’s side confidently chased down the target in 18 overs, finishing at 109 for 2. Their composed innings showed a strong top-order, securing the win with two overs.
This exciting opener sets the Amini Park field of what promises to be an exciting tournament, supported by PacificAus Sports, the Australia Government and hosted by Cricket PNG, aimed at strengthening ties and elevating the standard of women’s cricket across the Pacific and Australia.
Rain Has Final Say as Vanuatu vs Samoa Clash Abandoned at Amini Park:
The second scheduled match of the day at Amini Park between Vanuatu Women and Samoa Women was unfortunately abandoned due to rain, just 1.3 overs into Samoa’s chase, after a strong batting effort by Vanuatu in the first innings.
Opting to bat first, Vanuatu Women posted 116 for 9 in their full 20 overs, with top scorer Valenta Langiatu anchoring the innings with a steady 34 off 40 deliveries. She was well supported by Nasimana Navaika, who added a valuable 27 runs in the middle overs. Susan Stephen also contributed with a brisk 19 off just 11 balls, giving the innings late momentum.
Samoa’s bowlers, however, kept the match competitive and tight. Taalili Iosefo was the pick of the attack with 3 wickets for 19 runs, while Tuaoloa Helen Semau chipped in with 2 for 14 from her three overs. Carol Agafili and Jacinta Sanele claimed one wicket apiece as Samoa applied pressure with disciplined lines and sharp fielding.
Chasing 117 for victory, Samoa Women were 12 for 2 in just 1.3 overs when heavy rain swept across the ground, forcing play to a halt. Despite ground staff efforts, the conditions did not improve, and match officials were left with no choice but to abandon the match.
The result leaves both teams with shared points in the PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational 2025, and they will be looking to regroup ahead of their next fixtures later this week.
Live tournament feeds and scorecards are accessable on Cricket PNG website: www.cricketpng.org.pg and updates on the Cricket PNG Facebook page.
League Points Table accessable on this link: https://cricclubs.com/cpng/viewPointsTable.do?clubId=34550
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