Sport: PNG Lewas one win away from Women's World T20

Papua New Guinea are one win away from the Women's World T20 Cricket Championship after reaching the semi finals of the qualifying tournament in the Netherlands.

The Lewas posted a challenging 129 for 5 after being put into bat by the host nation in their final group match at Amstelveen, with Kopi John top-scoring with 40 from 47 deliveries.

In reply, Ravina Oa dismissed both openers to leave the Dutch reeling at 15 for 2 in the fourth over.

Denise Hannema and Robine Rijke provided some resistance with a 35-run stand before falling to player of the match Maire Tom, who finished with 4 for 24 as the Netherlands were all out for 85.

"They came hard at us because they required a massive run rate win to get them into the semis so we expected that as soon as we scored our 129 runs we expected it and we knew they were going to make mistakes," said head coach Rarua Dikana.

"They had a flying start but when the captain Pauke Siaka introduced Maire Tom, who is one of our veteran players, and eventually got the (player) of the match today taking four wickets, when she came back on she was on spot and showed her seniority and her experience when required and she changed the game for us."

Rarua Dikana says the players put in a complete all-round performance in overcast conditions.

"It was good bowling conditions before the game and we lost the toss and the Netherlands girls sent us into bat hoping that we would be rolled over but our batters took up the challenge," he said.

"We posted a challenging 129 runs and it proved to be too much for the Netherlands so full credit to the girls that backed themselves to play really well today," he said,

"Especially in the batting department and then we backed it up with our outstanding fielding and bowling performance."

PNG finished second in Group A, behind Bangladesh, and will face Group B winners Ireland in the semi finals, with the top two teams qualifying for the World T20.