Samoa Women vs Papua New Guinea Women - 12th Match, Group B (T20)

Date: September 12, 2025
Venue: Albert Park 2, Suva

Match Summary

Samoa Women emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter, defeating Papua New Guinea Women by 13 runs. Regina Lili'i was the standout batter for Samoa with an impressive 43 runs, while the bowling efforts of Ailaoa Aoina (3 wickets) and Olive Lefaga (2 wickets) sealed the deal. Despite a valiant effort from Papua New Guinea's lower-order, the target proved just out of reach.

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Detailed Match Highlights

Samoa Women Innings

• Samoa Women won the toss and elected to bat first.
• Regina Lili'i anchored the innings with a steady 43 runs off 41 balls, hitting 7 boundaries. Her knock was critical in setting up the team’s total of 120/9 in 20 overs.
• Carol Agafili provided a brisk start with 31 runs off 27 balls, including 5 boundaries.
• The rest of the batting lineup struggled, with no other batter crossing double digits apart from Angel Sootaga (10 runs).
• Papua New Guinea’s bowlers, particularly Mairi Tom (3/19) and Henao Thomas (3/19), were exceptional, keeping the scoring rate in check.

Papua New Guinea Women Innings

• Chasing 121, Papua New Guinea lost early wickets, with only Konio Oala (12 runs) and Isabel Toua (11 runs) showing some resistance in the top order.
• The lower middle-order fightback came from Hane Lohia Tau (17* off 22 balls) and Dika Lohia (16 off 20 balls), but the required rate kept climbing.
• Samoa's bowlers kept striking at crucial intervals. Ailaoa Aoina led the charge with 3/24, while Olive Lefaga’s 2/16 and Regina Lili'i’s 2/13 played a pivotal role.
• Papua New Guinea Women were bowled out for 107 in 19.3 overs, falling short by 13 runs.

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Key Performances

Batting Performances

• Regina Lili'i (Samoa): Top-scored with 43 runs, holding the innings together.
• Carol Agafili (Samoa): Played a quick and valuable knock of 31 runs.

Bowling Performances

• Ailaoa Aoina (Samoa): Best bowling figures for Samoa with 3 wickets for 24 runs in 4 overs.
• Olive Lefaga (Samoa): Delivered a disciplined spell, taking 2 wickets for just 16 runs in her 4 overs.
• Regina Lili'i (Samoa): Contributed with the ball as well, picking up 2/13 in 4 overs.
• Mairi Tom (Papua New Guinea): Shone with 3 wickets for 19 runs in 4 overs.
• Henao Thomas (Papua New Guinea): Mirrored Tom’s efforts, also securing 3/19 in her 4 overs.

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Notable Events in the Match

1. Regina Lili'i's All-Round Show: Lili'i’s 43 runs and her crucial two wickets made her the standout performer of the match.
2. Crucial Partnership: The 74 runs contributed by Lili'i and Agafili proved decisive in Samoa's competitive total.
3. Bowling Duels: Both teams showcased excellent bowling performances, with figures like 3-wicket hauls from Tom, Thomas, and Aoina dominating the game.
4. Sharp Fielding: Notable run-outs by Pauke Siaka (for Samoa) and Olive Lefaga (for Papua New Guinea) added to the excitement.
5. Late Resistance by Papua New Guinea: Despite the loss, Dika Lohia and Hane Lohia Tau’s late fightback brought some tension to the closing stages.

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Conclusion

This low-scoring thriller highlighted the importance of disciplined bowling and key partnerships. Samoa Women’s bowlers held their nerve under pressure, and Regina Lili'i’s all-round contribution ensured her team claimed a hard-fought victory.