Cricket Papua New Guinea (Cricket PNG) has launched the Boroko Motors Women’s ISUZU 50-Over Tournament, a three-day high-performance competition to prepare the PNG national women’s team – PNG Lewas, for their upcoming international series against the Thailand Women’s National Cricket Team.
The Izusu Smash tournament being one the biggest domestic tournament will be played at Amini Park on 27, 29 and 31 July 2026, featuring three representative teams – Black Bass, Mariners and Cassowaries.
A total of 42 players, with 14 players in each team, have been selected from Cricket PNG’s contracted players and emerging talent from Alotau-Milne Bay, Morobe, Central Province and the National Capital District.
The three teams will be led by Cricket PNG’s coaching staff, with John Ovia coaching the Cassowaries, Jason Kila- Mariners and Gomea Lohia taking charge of the Black Bass.
Cricket PNG High Performance Coach Tim McCaskill said the tournament plays a vital role in ensuring players are well prepared for international competition.
“This tournament provides our players with an opportunity to play quality 50-over cricket in a domestic, competitive environment as we build towards the international series against Thailand. It gives us an opportunity to assess performances, strengthen combinations and ensure our players are ready for the challenges ahead,” McCaskill said.
He said the competition also reflects Cricket PNG’s commitment to developing coaches alongside players.
“We are equally focused on developing our coaching depth. Having Gomea Lohia lead one of the teams alongside experienced coaches John Ovia and Jason Kila is an important part of our coach development pathway and investing in the future of cricket in PNG,” he said.
The tournament serves as a key selection and preparation event for the PNG Lewas, who will host the Thailand Women’s National Cricket Team in Port Moresby during the second week of August.
The Boroko Motors Women’s ISUZU 50-Over Tournament is proudly sponsored by Boroko Motors, continuing the company’s strong support for cricket in the country following its sponsorship of the successful Men’s ISUZU T20 Smash earlier this year.
Cricket PNG tournament Director, Rarua Dikana acknowledged Boroko Motors for its continued partnership in supporting the growth of cricket in PNG.
“Boroko Motors has been a valued partner of Cricket PNG, and we thank them for their continued investment in our game. Their support allows us to provide meaningful playing opportunities for our athletes while strengthening the pathway for women’s cricket in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Dikana said.
Tournament Schedule:
All matches will be played at Amini Park, Port Moresby, with match commencing at 10:00 a.m.
Fixtures:
•Monday, 27 July
Black Bass vs Cassowaries
Resting: Mariners
•Wednesday, 29 July
Mariners vs Cassowaries
Resting: Black Bass
•Friday, 31 July
Black Bass vs Mariners
Resting: Cassowaries
Cricket PNG invites cricket fans, families and members of the public to watch at Amini Park across the three match days and support the country’s leading female cricketers as they prepare to represent PNG on the international stage.