By Victoria Hamilton 
Papua New Guinea Women vs Philippines Women, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier 2025, Suva
Papua New Guinea Women announced their intent in the East Asia Pacific Qualifier with a record-breaking performance, powered by Konio Oala’s unbeaten 124 off 66 balls and Pauke Siaka’s stunning 5/1, to register a thumping 168-run victory over the Philippines.
Oala’s knock will be etched in PNG cricket history. Her century is now the highest individual score in Women’s T20Is for Papua New Guinea, surpassing Naoani Vare’s 88. It was an innings of authority and timing, marked by 22 boundaries and two sixes. With 100 of her runs coming in boundaries, she also set a new national record for most runs in fours and sixes in a single innings, bettering Vare’s previous tally of 52.
PNG’s Batting Masterclass
Opting to bat first at Albert Park, Suva, PNG made full use of the conditions to pile up 224/1, their highest total in WT20Is. Oala combined with opener Naoani Vare (55 off 45) for a 157-run partnership that crushed the spirits of the Philippines bowlers.
Skipper Brenda Tau (31 off 13)* added the finishing flourish, ensuring PNG crossed the 220-mark at a run rate of over 11.
Siaka’s Dream Spell
If Oala set up the match with the bat, Pauke Siaka sealed it with the ball. The experienced allrounder returned surreal figures of 5/1 in 3.4 overs, dismantling the Philippines batting order almost single-handedly. Backed by Hane Tau (2/9) and Henao Thomas (2/11), PNG bundled out their opponents for 56 in 19.4 overs.
Only Karri Gullem Keen (19 off 29) showed resistance, as nine Philippines batters were dismissed in single digits.
A Statement Victory
The 168-run margin not only highlights PNG’s dominance but also underlines their credentials as one of the region’s strongest sides in the quest for a spot at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier.
With Oala’s milestone innings and Siaka’s magical spell, PNG have set a benchmark early in the competition.
Brief Scores
PNG Women 224/1 (20 overs): Konio Oala 124* (66), Naoani Vare 55 (45), Brenda Tau 31* (13); Castillo 1/34
Philippines Women 56 all out (19.4 overs): Karri Gullem Keen 19 (29); Pauke Siaka 5/1, Henao Thomas 2/11, Hane Tau 2/9
PNG Women won by 168 runs
Himadullah Sohoo