A half century from Tanya Ruma has powered Papua New Guinea to a 78-run win over Japan at the Women's World T20 East Asia Pacific cricket qualifier in Sano, Japan.
A 77-run opening stand between Ruma and Sibona Jimmy helped the Lewas post 138 from their 20 overs, while Vicky Araa was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets for 9 runs from four overs as Japan were restricted to 60 for 7 in reply.
Tanya Ruma on her way to scoring 69 runs v Japan. Photo: ICC East Asia Pacific
Ruma scored the tournament's first half century (69) and dedicated the performance to her family.
"I was really happy to make 60, I made it for my first baby," she said.
The PNG Lewas have two wins from three matches, despite losing to Samoa on Saturday.
The earlier match between Vanuatu and Samoa was rescheduled due to a wet pitch and will now be played on Monday.
Samoa are unbeaten with a game in hand, with Vanuatu in third and Japan winless after three rounds.
The top team from the EAP Qualifier will advance to the 2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier.
