PNG Lewas lose to Scotland in ICC WOmens's World Twenty 20 Qualify opener

SCOTLAND defeated Papua New Guinea by eight wickets in their first match of the ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand.

The PMMI-sponsored PNG Lewas crumbled to 53 all-out as Scotland’s 16-year-old leg-spinner Abtaha Maqsood (2-9) and 18-year-old seamer Kirstie Gordon (2-10) starred on Saturday.

The Wildcats reached their target in 15.4 overs for the loss of two wickets, with Kari Anderson unbeaten on 24.

In Saturday's other Group A game, Bangladesh beat hosts Thailand, while in Group B, Ireland and Zimbabwe saw off the Netherlands and China.

The top two teams in the eight-strong qualifying tournament will progress to next year's Women's World T20 in India.

Meanwhile, in their final warm-up last week, PNG lost to a Combined XI. 

The Lewas got off to a decent start, posting a score of 90/5 off their allotted 20 overs.  Captain Norma Ovasuru was once again among the runs, scoring 31. 

In reply, the Combined XI reached the target in 18 overs, losing just four wickets on the way with Mairi Tom (1-7), Brenda Tau (1-9), Kari Seura (1-10) and Ovasuru (1-18) all picking up a wicket each for the Lewas.