January 23, 2024

Papua New Guinea Clinches Pacific Cup Championship in New Zealand – Cricket World Cup

In an exhilarating finale, Brenda Tau’s Papua New Guinea Lewas emerged as the champions of Auckland’s 2024 Pacific Cup T20 tournament. The team clinched a decisive five-wicket victory over hosts Aotearoa Maori at Lloyd Elsmore Park, successfully defending their title and reaffirming their regional dominance.

After containing the hosts to a modest 87 runs, Lewis showcased their batting prowess, chasing down the target with nine balls to spare. Brenda Tau’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to victory, with her strategic insight and impressive performances earning her plaudits throughout the tournament.

The triumph marked Papua New Guinea’s second consecutive Pacific Cup victory, previously claiming the title in the 2022 edition. As the Lewas continue to assert their prowess in the international cricket arena, their success story is a testament to the growth and development of women’s cricket in Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific region.

In a thrilling finale on Sunday afternoon at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Brenda Tau’s Papua New Guinea Lewis secured a resounding five-wicket victory over the Aotearoa Maori, successfully retaining their title as champions of the 2024 Pacific Cup T20 tournament. The Lewas’ all-rounder, Sibona Jimmy, delivered a stellar performance throughout the final match, claiming an impressive 5/10 (4) with her off-spin and pivotal role in executing three crucial run-outs. Jimmy’s dynamic contribution continued as she scored 25 runs during the successful chase, propelling the Lewas to triumph with nine balls to spare.

The Aotearoa Maori found themselves limited to a modest total of 87 runs, courtesy of the Lewas’ disciplined bowling attack, which was headlined by Jimmy’s outstanding spell. As the Papua New Guinea side took to the crease, their focus was unwavering, systematically closing in on the target set by their opponents. With each passing over, the Lewis showcased their prowess and determination, surpassing the required score with time to spare. The victory solidified their status as Pacific Cup champions. It underscored the Lewas’ growth and development within the international cricket landscape.

Scoreboard of Papua New Guinea vs. Aotearoa Maori match

Captained by the seasoned Central Districts domestic player and four-time Dutch international Kerry-Anne Tomlinson, the New Zealand Maori team boasted an impressive lineup of seasoned players. The squad included notable talents such as Eden Carson, Sam Curtis, and promising young wicket-keeper Jess McFadyen, who have represented their country internationally. The hosts maintained an unbeaten record throughout the tournament’s group phase, only to face defeat against a determined Papua New Guinea side in the final match.

Papua New Guinea’s unwavering resolve to excel in the Pacific Cup was evident, particularly following their disappointment at missing out on a place in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. The PNG side grew increasingly focused and motivated as the tournament progressed, channeling their passion into outstanding performances. Their undeniable determination ultimately led them to triumph over New Zealand Maori, ensuring they ended the game on a high note and solidified their status as a force to become an indomitable force that redefines the landscape of women’s cricket.

Despite a promising start, Vanuatu’s hopes of reaching the Pacific Cup final were dashed after suffering tough losses to Samoa and New Zealand Maori during the group phase. Ultimately, the team finished in fourth place. However, they secured a consolation third-place victory against Samoa in a closely contested playoff match.

Tim Cutler, CEO of Vanuatu Cricket, believes the Pacific Cup tournament was an ideal preparatory platform for pursuing T20 World Cup Qualification. The invaluable experience from intense competition and high-stakes matches will help Vanuatu refine its strategies and bolster its performance in upcoming events.

In expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Cutler acknowledged New Zealand Cricket’s significant investment in the 2024 Pacific Cup and praised the organizers for creating an atmosphere conducive to growth and learning. As Vanuatu sets its sights on future T20 World Cup Qualifiers, the lessons learned from the Pacific Cup will undoubtedly prove essential in their journey toward international cricket success.

In addition to Vanuatu’s progress, the Cook Islands demonstrated their continued growth and potential throughout the tournament. The Kukis emerged victorious in two matches against Fiji, claiming the fifth-place playoff spot and reaffirming their upward trajectory in international cricket. With all matches, excluding those featuring New Zealand Maori, recognized as Women’s T20Is, the Pacific Cup is a testament to the ongoing development and increasing competitiveness within the region’s cricket scene.

“The six matches played will provide the lead-in we need as we approach the Global (T20 World Cup) Qualifier in three months’ time. Observations during the
event will result in some important tweaks to our strateg.”

“A huge thanks goes to New Zealand Cricket for hosting – and alongside event partners – investing so much in the 2024 Pacific Cup.”

The Cook Islands women’s cricket team once again displayed their prowess and growth in the sport, claiming fifth place at the Pacific Cup. Though the team faced a challenging 1-4 record during the round-robin stage, their determination and skill ultimately prevailed in the fifth-place playoff against Fiji.

In a commanding performance, the Cook Islands side, affectionately known as the Kukis, secured their second decisive victory against Fiji with a nine-wicket triumph. This resounding success solidifies the Cook Islands’ upward trajectory in international cricket as the team continues establishing itself as a strong competitor within the region.

With an evident display of talent, technique, and teamwork, the Kukis have showcased their ability to learn from past performances and apply newfound strategies to achieve victory. As the Cook Islands cricket community celebrates this achievement, the momentum from this tournament is expected to propel the team forward in future competitions.

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