Fresh from being named the Carbine Club Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards, PNG Lewas captain Brenda Tau says the national women’s team’s focus remains firmly on achieving its ultimate goal– qualifying for a Cricket World Cup.
The prestigious award, announced on Saturday 30 May, recognizes a historic period for the Lewas, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season that saw them establish themselves as one of the leading emerging teams in international women’s cricket.
For Tau, however, the recognition is not the finish line.
“My main goal, and pretty much the team’s goal as well, is to make it to the World Cup. That’s my main goal and there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done,”she said.
The award caps off a remarkable campaign that included winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Championship, claiming the inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational title, securing ICC One Day International (ODI) status for the 2025–2029 cycle, and recording historic victories over higher-ranked nations including Thailand and the Netherlands.
Tau said the award reflected the collective efforts of everyone involved in the PNG Lewas program.
“I am so proud of every individual in the team – the coaching staff, the management and the players. It is a great honor and we truly appreciate the award. Moments like this define the reasons we work so hard. The belief, trust and faith we hold onto both on and off the field,” Tau said.
The 27 year-old from Hanuabada village, National Capital District said leading the national team has been one of the proudest moments of her cricket career.
Appointed captain in January 2024, Tau has helped guide the Lewas through one of the most successful periods in the team’s history.
“As captain, I am so proud to lead players who show commitment, dedication, resilience and passion,” she said.
Tau also acknowledged the support the team has received throughout its journey.
“I would like to thank the Board of Cricket PNG, the sponsors and every family member and supporter who encouraged us through our victories and challenges. Thank you so much. I truly appreciate it,” she said.
Having grown up playing backyard cricket with her brothers and watching the sport from a young age, Tau said representing Papua New Guinea continues to be a source of pride and motivation.
“I genuinely love the sport. I grew up watching cricket and playing backyard cricket with my brothers. All my life, I’ve been playing cricket,” she added.
While the Team of the Year honor is a significant achievement, Tau believes it is also evidence that the Lewas are moving in the right direction.
With growing international recognition and a squad that continues to improve with every campaign, the PNG Lewas are now focused on building on their recent success as they pursue their dream of qualifying for cricket’s biggest stage in the coming years.