THE Papua New Guinea (PNG) Lewas have been honoured as the Carbine Club Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards in Port Moresby, recognising their outstanding achievements and remarkable rise in international women’s cricket.
The award celebrates a stellar 2025 season in which the Lewas captured the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Championship and triumphed at the inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational, proving their strength against some of the region’s best teams.
A defining milestone came when the International Cricket Council (ICC) granted the Lewas One Day International (ODI) status for the 2025-29 cycle, elevating PNG into the ranks of the world’s developing elite women’s cricket nations.
Throughout the season, the Lewas recorded memorable victories over higher-ranked opponents such as Thailand and the Netherlands, showcasing their growing confidence, talent, and determination.
For head coach Mahuru Dai, the award was meaningful as it coincided with his 42nd birthday.
“Today’s award is the best birthday present. As a coach, this is a big achievement,” Dai said, crediting the players’ commitment and teamwork.
Cricket PNG coard chairman Michael Harrison praised the team’s resilience and impact, noting that the Lewas have inspired young girls across the country and raised the profile of women’s cricket nationally and internationally.
Beyond their on-field success, the Lewas have become role models for aspiring female athletes in PNG, helping to grow the game and promote women’s sport.
The Team of the Year honour caps one of the most successful periods in PNG women’s cricket history, with future ICC tournaments promising even greater opportunities.
