In a thrilling Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier clash, the United States secured a comfortable five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea. After restricting PNG to 110/5 in their full quota of 20 overs, the American side chased down the target with 12 balls to spare. Lekha Shetty’s brilliant three-wicket haul earned her the Player of the Match award, while Gargi Bhogle and Chetna Pagydyala anchored the chase with composed batting performances.
USA v Papua New Guinea Women Match Summary
| Innings | Team | Score | Top Batsman | Runs (Balls) | Top Bowler | Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | PNG Women | 110/5 (20 overs) | Konio Oala | 41 (40) | Lekha Shetty | 3/27 (4 overs) |
| 2nd Innings | USA Women | 111/5 (18 overs) | Gargi Bhogle | 35 (39) | Dika Lohia | 2/7 (2 overs) |
Toss: USA Women won the toss and elected to bowl
Player of the Match: Lekha Shetty (3/27 in 4 overs)
First Innings: PNG Women’s Steady Start and Late Push
PNG Women made a steady start in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026, building their innings before accelerating late. Konio Oala led the scoring, while Lekha Shetty impressed with the ball for the USA.
| Category | Player | Figures | Strike Rate/Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Konio Oala | 41 (40 balls, 1×4, 2×6) | SR: 102.50 |
| 2nd Best Batsman | Pauke Siaka | 26 (21 balls, 3×4) | SR: 123.80 |
| Best Bowler | Lekha Shetty | 3/27 (4 overs) | Economy: 6.75 |
| 2nd Best Bowler | Tara Norris | 1/12 (4 overs) | Economy: 3.00 |
Total Score: Papua New Guinea Women 110/5 in 20 overs (Run Rate: 5.50)
Papua New Guinea Women had a cautious start to their innings after being asked to bat first. Opener Hollan Doriga struggled to find her rhythm and departed for 17 off 36 balls in the eighth over. Captain Brenda Tau fell shortly after for just 2 runs, leaving PNG at 40/2. However, Konio Oala held the innings together with a composed knock of 41 runs. She found good support from Sibona Jimmy, who contributed a quick 10 off 10 balls before falling to Shetty.
The real acceleration came from Pauke Siaka, who smashed 26 off just 21 deliveries with three boundaries. Her aggressive batting in the death overs pushed PNG past the 100-run mark. Lekha Shetty was the star performer with the ball, picking up three crucial wickets while keeping the run rate in check. Tara Norris provided excellent support with figures of 1/12 in her four overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.00.
Second Innings: Bhogle and Pagydyala Guide USA Home
| Category | Player | Figures | Strike Rate/Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Gargi Bhogle | 35 (39 balls, 3×4, 1×6) | SR: 89.74 |
| 2nd Best Batsman | Chetna Pagydyala | 32 (34 balls, 5×4) | SR: 94.11 |
| Best Bowler | Dika Lohia | 2/7 (2 overs) | Economy: 3.50 |
| 2nd Best Bowler | Henao Thomas | 1/20 (4 overs) | Economy: 5.00 |
Total Score: USA Women 111/5 in 18 overs (Run Rate: 6.16)
USA Women’s chase got off to a brilliant start thanks to openers Chetna Pagydyala and Gargi Bhogle. The duo built a solid partnership of 69 runs before Bhogle fell in the 12th over. Pagydyala continued her steady innings, hitting five boundaries in her knock of 32 before being dismissed shortly after. The American side looked in complete control despite losing both set batters in quick succession.
Dika Lohia was PNG’s best bowler, picking up two wickets for just 7 runs in her two overs. She triggered a mini collapse as the USA slipped from 69/0 to 95/5. However, Ritu Singh played a crucial cameo of 13 not out off just 8 balls, including a four and a six, to ensure there were no last-minute scares. Her unbeaten stand with Pooja Ganesh saw USA across the finish line with 12 balls remaining, sealing an important victory in the qualifying tournament.
