FRESH from being named the Carbine Club Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards, the Papua New Guinea women’s cricket team, the Lewas, are already looking ahead to their next big goal which is qualifying for a Cricket World Cup.

While the Lewas celebrated a major achievement on Saturday night, captain Brenda Tau said the award was another step in the team’s journey.

“The main goal for me and the team is to qualify for the World Cup,” Tau said.

“That remains our biggest target, and there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before we get there.”

The award recognises an outstanding 2025 season for the Lewas, who continued their rise in international cricket and earned respect across the world through a series of historic achievements.

Among their biggest successes were winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Championship, claiming the inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational title, securing ICC One Day International (ODI) status for the 2025-2029 cycle, and recording memorable victories over higher-ranked teams including Thailand and the Netherlands.

For Tau, the honour belongs to everyone involved in the Lewas programme.

The 27-year-old from Hanuabada said leading the national side had been one of the proudest experiences of her cricket career.

Since being appointed captain in January 2024, Tau has overseen one of the most successful periods in PNG Lewas history.

“As captain, I am proud to lead a group of players who continue to show dedication, resilience, passion and commitment every day,” she said.

“I want to thank the Cricket PNG Board, our sponsors, our families and all our supporters who have stood beside us during both the good times and the challenges.”

Cricket has been part of Tau’s life from an early age. Growing up playing backyard cricket with her brothers, she developed a love for the sport that eventually led her to represent her country.

“I grew up watching cricket and playing with my brothers. Cricket has always been part of my life and I genuinely love the game,” she said.

The Lewas are now focused on building on their recent success and turning their World Cup dream into reality.