Papua New Guinea Women (PNG Women) showcased grit and composure to secure a 20-run victory over Tanzania Women at the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 in Bangkok. The match, played on November 30 at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, highlighted PNG’s ability to defend modest totals through disciplined bowling and timely contributions with the bat.
Electing to bat first, PNG posted 100 runs in their 20 overs — a total that seemed modest but proved defendable. The innings was anchored by middle-order batter Henao Thomas, who scored a resilient 47 off 57 balls, stabilizing the side after early wickets threatened to derail their progress. Lower-order contributions were crucial, with Pauke Siaka adding 24 off 25 balls to help the team reach a competitive score.
Tanzania’s chase began with promise, but PNG’s bowlers quickly applied pressure and controlled the game. Pauke Siaka was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for just 10 runs in her four-over spell, dismantling Tanzania’s top and middle order. Isabel Toua supported the effort with two important wickets, while disciplined spells from the rest of the attack kept the Tanzanian batters from building partnerships.
Tanzania struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Boundaries were hard to come by, and wickets fell regularly, preventing any sustained momentum. Their highest individual score came from Perice Kamunya, who managed 27 off 29 balls, but with the mounting pressure and a steadily climbing required rate, the chase faltered. Tanzania were eventually dismissed for 80, falling short by 20 runs.
The win underlined PNG Women’s strength in executing plans under pressure. Thomas’ batting provided a vital platform, but it was Siaka’s exceptional bowling performance that turned the match decisively in PNG’s favour. For Tanzania, the result highlighted the need for stronger partnerships and more consistent scoring to compete effectively in tightly contested matches.
This victory adds confidence to PNG Women’s campaign in the Emerging Nations Trophy. It demonstrates that even modest totals can be defended with composure, strategic bowling, and teamwork. PNG’s ability to manage low-scoring games could prove vital as the tournament progresses, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and disciplined cricket in close contests.
Papua New Guinea Women walked away with a well-earned 20-run win, reinforcing their status as a competitive side capable of thriving in pressure situations and setting a benchmark for other associate nations in the tournament.
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