Samoa U19 women defeat POMCA select side in historic trial

The visiting Samoa Under-19 Women’s cricket team on Saturday dominated a Port Moresby Cricket Association [POMCA] select side by 97 runs in a historic trial match played at Amini Park.

The match served as a critical warm-up fixture for the visiting Samoan squad, who arrived in the country on Friday ahead of the highly anticipated ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier, scheduled to run from April 8 to 13.

Opting to set the pace, the strong Samoan outfit posted a formidable total of 155 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, the local PNG trial side struggled to find their rhythm against the visitors' clinical bowling attack, finishing their innings at 58 for the loss of 9 wickets after 20 overs.

Despite the loss on the scoreboard, the initiative was hailed as a massive victory for grassroots cricket in the nation’s capital.

The PNG trial team featured promising young female players selected from nine clubs across POMCA's 14 divisions, highlighting the vast depth of talent coming through the city's local competitions.

POMCA President James Maha described the clash as a groundbreaking moment for the capital's club cricket scene.

“This is a first-of-its-kind opportunity for POMCA cricket clubs to showcase their cricket talents against an international team. We thank Cricket Papua New Guinea for this great opportunity,” Maha said.

POMCA Secretary Hebou Ovia confirmed that the match was managed, conducted, and officiated entirely by POMCA with oversight from Cricket PNG, showcasing the association's capacity to host international-level fixtures.

Cricket PNG officials said the match was a significant step towards strengthening relationships between the national body, local associations, and club competitions, aiming to reinforce player development pathways across the country.