Papua New Guinea have missed out on a place in the Women's World T20 Cricket Championship following a 27 run defeat against Ireland.
With regular captain Pauke Siaka unavailable, Kaia Arua opted to bowl first in the first qualifying tournament semi final and received immediate reward when Mairi Tom dismissed Clare Shillington - the tournament's top runscorer - with the second ball of the match.
Mairi Tom made an early breakthrough with the ball. Photo: Supplied/Cricket PNG
However four dropped catches in as many overs proved costly for the Lewas as Ireland recovered to post 113 for 6 from their 20 overs.
In reply, PNG found themselves in early trouble at 7 for 2 after both openers fell cheaply.
Brenda Tau and Tanya Ruma dug in for close to nine overs but could only add 32 runs before Ruma was run out attempting a quick single.
With the required run rate spiralling to above nine an over the Lewas began to lose wickets at regular intervals and were eventually all out for 86 runs in the final over.
Ireland will face Bangladesh in the Qualifying final, with both teams already securing their spot in the World T20, while PNG will face Scotland in the playoff for third place.
Kaia Arua (R) captained the Lewas in the absence of Pauke Siaka. Photo: Supplied/Cricket PNG
