Sport: PNG Lewas begin Cricket World Cup push

12:20 pm on 7 February 2017

Papua New Guinea begin their bid to qualify for the Women's Cricket World Cup this evening against Bangladesh in Colombo.

The Lewas, who the East Asia Pacific regional qualifier in July, are also pooled with Pakistan, Scotland and South Africa.

The PNG Lewas celebrate a wicket.

PNG celebrate a wicket at the East Asia Pacific regional qualifier. Photo: ICC East Asia Pacific

The top three from each group advance to the Super Six round, with the top four qualifying for the World Cup in England.

Cricket PNG's High Performance Manager, Rarua Dikana, said they have some knowledge of the teams in their pool.

"The last time they played in a World Cup qualifier was back in 2008 - they played Bangladesh in the T20 Qualifier," he said.

"We will have a fair idea on especially South Africa as well, who had a good series against the Aussies - they gave the Aussies a good run for their money so we're expecting...our group will be quite competitive.

"Even Scotland we have - we've played them in the T20s as well - so it's going to be a good challenge for the girls and the coaches."

Rarua Dikana said PNG's initial target is to make the top six, which would also secure them full One Day International status for the next four years.

The PNG Lewas in training.

The PNG Lewas in training. Photo: Cricket PNG

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