Papua New Guinea claim Pacific Cup title in New Zealand
Brenda Tau's Papua New Guinea finished as winners of the 2024 Pacific Cup in Auckland, beating New Zealand Maori in the tournament final.
By Daniel Beswick
The Lewas were five-wicket winners on Sunday afternnon at Lloyd Elsmore Park, bowling the hosts out for 87 and chasing with nine balls to spare. PNG all-rounder Sibona Jimmy starred in the final, taking 5/10 (4) with her off-spin and having a hand in three run outs, before making 25 in the successful chase.
Led by Central Districts domestic player and four-time Dutch international Kerry-Anne Tomlinson, the New Zealand Maori side featured a number of other senior internationals, notably Eden Carson, Sam Curtis and young wicket-keeper Jess McFadyen. The hosts finished unbeaten in the group phase, only to fall at the final hurdle to a PNG side desperate to perform after missing out on a spot in the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier.
Vanuatu, who claimed the spot for the upcoming Qualifier via last year's East Asia-Pacific Regional Final, missed out on a final after tough defeats to Samoa and New Zealand Maori. After finishing fourth in the groups, they went on to win a consolation third-place playoff with Samoa.
Vanuatu Cricket CEO Tim Cutler believes the tournament was ideal preparation for their tilt at T20 World Cup Qualification.
"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 once again showed they are a team on an upward swing, beating Fiji twice, the latter in the fifth-place playoff.
The Kukis also claimed victory when the teams met on the last day of the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, winning by eight wickets.
All matches with the exception of those featuring New Zealand Maori were also counted as Women's T20Is.
Feature photo credit: Photosport New Zealand