The Papua New Guinea Women‘s cricket team is currently hosting Thailand Women for a bilateral series that includes both One-day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals. The matches are being played at Amini Park in Port Moresby. This series marks the first bilateral arrangement between the two cricket boards, despite the teams having previously competed against each other in multi-nation T20I events.
The series, which runs from August 10th to August 17th, 2026, is significant for both teams. For Thailand Women, this tour serves as preparation for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s Asia Cup tournament, scheduled to begin on August 28th, 2026, in the UAE.
First T20I Underway
The first T20I of the series is currently in progress at Amini Park. Papua New Guinea Women are chasing a target of 71 runs and require 71 runs from 90 balls, maintaining a run rate of 4.73 runs per over. At present, Papua New Guinea Women have scored 39 runs without losing any wickets after 5.0 overs. Konio Oala and Hollan Doriga are the batters currently at the crease for Papua New Guinea Women.
The live scorecard provides ongoing updates on wickets, overs, run rate, bowling details, and ball-by-ball commentary for the match between Papua New Guinea Women and Thailand Women.
Series Schedule and Squads
The full schedule for the Thailand Women’s Tour of Papua New Guinea 2026 includes two T20Is and three ODIs. The first T20I took place on August 10th, 2026, followed by the second T20I on August 11th, 2026. The ODI segment of the series will commence with the first WODI on August 13th, 2026, the second WODI on August 15th, 2026, and conclude with the third WODI on August 17th, 2026.
Both teams have announced their squads for the series. The Papua New Guinea Women‘s squad includes Brenda Tau (Captain and Wicketkeeper), Henao Thomas, Hollan Doriga, Konio Oala, Sibona Jimmy, Tanya Ruma, Naoani Vare, Pauke Siaka, Isabel Toua, Geua Tom, and Hane Tau. Additional players listed for Papua New Guinea are Dika Lohia, Buruka Vicky, and Kevau Gabe.
The Thailand Women‘s squad features Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Chanida Sutthiruang, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Nannapat Koncharoenkai (Wicketkeeper), Nannaphat Chaihan, Naruemol Chaiwai (Captain), Onnicha Kamchomphu, Phannita Maya, Suleeporn Laomi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, and Thipatcha Putthawong.
Importance for World Cup Qualification
This series is part of the second Women’s Cricket World Cup qualification cycle, where both Papua New Guinea Women and Thailand Women have maintained their ODI status until 2029. The teams have not previously met in ODIs, making this bilateral series a new development in their cricketing history. For Women’s Associate teams with ODI status, such bilateral arrangements are crucial for securing spots in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier, as there is no dedicated pathway tournament for them similar to their male counterparts.
The Lewas players, as the Papua New Guinea Women‘s team is known, have prepared for this series by participating in a domestic One-day tournament that recently concluded. The series provides valuable match practice and competitive exposure for both sides in their respective cricketing journeys.
The Thailand Women’s Tour of Papua New Guinea 2026 will continue with its scheduled matches at Amini Park until August 17th, 2026.
Source: indiatoday.in
