Sport: PNG Lewas insist pressure is off against Ireland

11:38 am on 12 July 2018

Papua New Guinea insist all the pressure will be on Ireland when the teams square off in a winner-takes-all semi final clash at the Women's World T20 Cricket Qualifiers.

The Irish have competed at the past two World T20 events and topped their qualifying group with three wins, while the Lewas recovered from an opening defeat by Bangladesh to reach the knockout stage with wins against the UAE and the Netherlands.

The PNG Lewas are one win away from qualifying for the Women's World T20.

The PNG Lewas are one win away from qualifying for the Women's World T20. Photo: Supplied/Cricket PNG

PNG were also thrashed by eight wickets when the teams met in a pre-tournament warm-up match last week and coach Rarua Dikana said any success for them will be a bonus.

"Ireland is the more fancied team and we're sort of the underdogs and I think we have nothing to lose going into the semi final between us and Ireland," he said.

"So the girls are going to be a bit more relaxed and that will allow them to play some very good cricket or just go and have fun and enjoy the game while the Irish will be under the pump because they have everything to lose while we have nothing to lose."

"That's the beauty of it and hopefully we show up to play our best cricket and hopefully we will knock the Irish team over and get into the World Cup, which is going to be a big achievement for the girls."

Bangladesh face Scotland in the tomorrow's other semi final, with both semi final winners advancing to the Women's World T20 main draw in the West Indies in November.

The PNG Lewas

The PNG Lewas Photo: PNG Cricket