A new year, and a new look for the City Pharmacy PNG Lewas who are aiming to reach new heights.
Today, Cricket PNG announced the 14-woman squad that will be playing in Sri Lanka for the World Cup Qualifiers next month.
The line-up is quite different compared to the lot that took out the East Asia Pacific title mid of last year.
To be successful in the World Cup Qualifiers, would mean a debut at the World Cup, and acquiring One Day International (ODI) status at the same time.
Unlike the Barramundis, the Lewas still do not have ODI status as the last World Cup Qualifiers they attended in 2008, in South Africa did not yield good results.
With the likes of Kaia Arua, Tanya Ruma and Norma Ovasuru making a comeback, after a long absence due to personal reasons, Coach Rodney Maha is confident with the 14-women squad, especially now with a blend of more experienced players.
Though the Lewas will go into the Qualifiers well on guard, as their biggest threat will be South Africa.
Maha added, the team will give it their all, so they will not have a repeat of 2008.
Meanwhile, of the three that made their debut last year in the East Asia Pacific Qualifiers, Hinamutawa Philip of Miline Bay Cricket made the cut.
And Pauke Siaka, once again have proven to be the best person for the skipper’s job, after leading the East Asia Team to a back-to-back win in the Australia Cricket County Championship, two weeks ago.
Cricket PNG will be announcing their travel date in the next few days.