Thailand Women have defeated the Papua New Guinea Lewas by 40 runs in the second One Day International (ODI) at Amini Park today.
After winning the toss, the Lewas elected to bowl first and restricted Thailand to 191 all out in 47.3 overs through a disciplined bowling performance.
Thailand captain Naruemol Chaiwai led from the front, scoring a well-made 61 from 74 deliveries, including four boundaries. She received valuable support from Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, who scored 35 from 41 balls, while Chanida Sutthiruang contributed a brisk 28 from 32 deliveries and Phannita Maya made 25 from 52 balls.
Thailand struggled to build sustained partnerships as the PNG bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals. Chaiwai helped steady the innings, but her dismissal with Thailand on 184 triggered the final collapse, with the last two wickets falling at 188 and 191.
PNG’s bowling attack was led by Pauke Siaka, who produced an outstanding spell of 4-18 from 9.3 overs, including three maidens. Sibona Jimmy also impressed with 3-28 from nine overs, while Isabel Toua, Henao Jean Thomas and Dika Lohia claimed one wicket each.
Chasing 192 for victory, the Lewas' innings got off to a difficult start when Thailand’s Maya struck twice early, removing Hollan Doriga and Naoani Vare.
Maya continued to trouble the PNG batting order, finishing with excellent figures of 3-16 from seven overs. Brenda Hoi Tau and Tanya Ruma were also dismissed cheaply, leaving the Lewas under significant pressure.
PNG attempted to rebuild through Kevau Frank and Siaka. Siaka contributed 21 from 22 balls, including three boundaries, while Frank made seven from 35 deliveries.
The middle order provided greater resistance, with Sibona Jimmy top-scoring for PNG with 32 from 55 balls, including three fours. Henao Jean Thomas battled through for a valuable 35 from 70 deliveries, with one boundary.
Isabel Toua added 15 from 29 balls before being caught and bowled by Sunida Chaturongrattana. Dika Lohia made seven, while Buruka Vicky remained unbeaten on two as the final PNG wicket fell in the 46th over.
The Lewas were eventually bowled out for 151, including 13 extras comprising seven leg byes, four wides and two byes.
Maya and Thipatcha Putthawong led Thailand’s bowling attack with three wickets each. Putthawong finished with 3-34 from eight overs, while Onnicha Kamchomphu claimed 2-34 from 10 overs. Chaturongrattana and Sutthiruang took one wicket each, with Sutthiruang particularly economical, returning figures of 1-10 from five overs, including two maidens.
Thailand’s 40-run victory have all but secured the ODI tri series 2 - Nil. PNG will need a much better plan to get a win in the final match Monday 17th August.
