The Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas are now fixed and prepared for their upcoming cricket tours to Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The PNG Lewas will depart from Port Moresby on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, and arrive in Zimbabwe on the 21st of this month.
Coach David Drew announced the team on Monday, March 18th. The confirmed squad members who will be travelling to the UAE and Zimbabwe are Brenda TAU (c), Sibona JIMMY (vc), Tanya RUMA, Lakshmi Rajadurai, Pauke SIAKA, Isabel TOUA, Naoani VARE, Geua TOM, Kevau FRANK, Henao THOMAS, Vicky ARA’A, Buruka VICKY, Dika LOHIA, and Melanie Ani.
The staff members include David DREW, Coach; Nao KAMEA, Manager; Anthea MURRAY, Strength & Conditioning Coach; and Maryanne PAHUN, Physiotherapist.
Coach David Drew said they had the best team. “Obviously, we had to make some hard selections, but the team we are taking away represents the best of what the Lewas have to offer,” said Drew.
“We are travelling to Zimbabwe to play three ODIs and three T20 matches, then we travel to the UAE where we play another two ODIs against the USA and Scotland.
“It will be an exciting schedule and experience for the girls, one which we are looking forward to immensely as a group.”
Drew added that it was a great privilege for him to be the coach of the Lewas, mentioning his excitement about the Lewas for seeing some outstanding performances so far.
“I’ve only been in the role of Lewas Coach for two months, but in that time, I’ve seen the incredible potential that our women’s teams have," he stated.
"In January, the Lewas turned around a group stage loss to a strong NZ Maori team to dominate them in the final and win the Pacific Cup. I’m proud to announce the Lewas team to continue that success on this upcoming tour.
“There is a great team spirit, and the girls are working hard towards a successful tour.”
The Lewas’ final preparation has received a boost from Julia Price, who has previously visited Papua New Guinea and worked with both the Lewas and U19 Siales. She travelled to Port Moresby to assist with the Lewas' final sessions.
Following that, she will spend some time with the U-19 girls as they prepare for the upcoming ICC U19 T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier. Her visit is part of the support provided to Cricket PNG by the PacificAus Sports program.
Cricket PNG CEO Richard Done said, “PacificAus Sports is an important supporter of our women’s team and programs, and it’s great that Julia could find a time in her busy schedule to come to PNG.”
For the girls who did not make the 14-player squad, they will continue with their development programs.
“We look forward to their development under coach Mahuru Dai while we are away,” Drew said.
CPNG Chairman Michael Harrison thanked, on behalf of the board, the management staff for getting the girls prepared.
“To the girls, well done. You've been selected for the side, and we look forward to this next tour and hope for some great results,” said Chairman Harrison.
CEO Richard Done also expressed gratitude to all involved in the development of the girls. He said all the girls had enjoyed every moment from the successful Pacific Cup win in New Zealand, and they are now looking forward to a really strong tour.
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