Thailand has levelled the two-match T20 International series against the Papua New Guinea Lewas after securing a convincing six-wicket victory at Amini Park in Port Moresby today.
After being sent into bat first, the Lewas struggled from the outset as Thailand's bowlers produced an outstanding performance to restrict the home side to just 87 runs for the loss of nine wickets from their 20 overs.
Thailand's 22-year-old fast bowler Phannita Maya was the standout performer, claiming three crucial wickets inside her opening two overs to dismantle PNG's top order. Her impressive spell earned her the Player of the Match award.
PNG lost openers Konio Oala and Hollan Doriga, followed by captain Brenda Tau, leaving the Lewas in serious trouble midway through their innings.
At the 10-over mark, PNG were struggling for runs, but middle-order batters Nao Ani Vare (25) and Tanya Ruma (28) attempted to rebuild the innings.
Despite their efforts, runs remained difficult to score against a disciplined Thailand bowling attack, while their fielding was equally impressive as they denied the Lewas opportunities to build partnerships.
PNG eventually finished their 20 overs at 87 for nine, leaving Thailand needing just 88 runs for victory.
PNG made an early breakthrough in the second innings when Henao Thomas struck with her second delivery of the opening over, dismissing Thailand's dangerous opener Phannita Maya.
However, the early wicket did little to halt Thailand's chase.
Thailand's batters remained composed, rotating the strike with quick singles and doubles while finding regular boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving.
They reached the target in the 19th over, finishing on 88 for four to seal a six-wicket victory and level the T20I series.
For PNG, Thomas finished with two wickets, while Isabell Toua, who was named Player of the Match in yesterday's opening T20I, also claimed two wickets.
A disappointed PNG captain Brenda Tau admitted that the Lewas did not produce their best performance of the series.
Tau acknowledged that both their batting and fielding fell below the standards they had set for themselves, while congratulating Thailand on a well-deserved victory.
She described Thailand as a tough and worthy opponent and said the Lewas enjoyed the two-match T20I series.
Tau said the team would now go back to the drawing board, review their performance and reset and refocus ahead of the upcoming 50-over matches.
Thailand coach Peter Jansen was delighted with his team's performance and result.
Jansen thanked PNG for providing strong competition throughout the two-match T20I series, saying his players showed courage and continued to believe in themselves.
That belief, he said, was evident in their successful run chase today.
With the T20I series now completed with one win apiece, both teams will shift their attention to the 50-over One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
The ODI series will be played at Amini Park on:
- Thursday, August 13
- Saturday, August 15
- Monday, August 17
Both teams will now look to regroup and prepare for the longer format as the battle between the PNG Lewas and Thailand continues.
