THE 2025 Isuzu Womens T20 Smash is back at Amini Park as this year’s competition will see a diverse inclusion of cricketers from around the country.

Cricket PNG made this announcement earlier this week ahead of the opening fixture which took off on Friday among four teams Black Bass, Cassowaries, Mariners and Mudmen.

Chief Executive Officer Richard Done said, “With the wet weather over the past few weeks, we’ve had to delay the start of this year’s T20 Smash.”

“The men’s event will now be played after the women’s event from May 9-17 however, we hope that the last few days of better weather will allow the women’s event to get underway.”

Done said as part of recognizing new talents across the country, they have invited 18 out of 56 cricketers to participate in the annual T20 tournament.

They are representing local associations from Madang, Popondetta, Ahioma (Milne Bay), Lae and Central coast.

“The ISUZU T20 SMASH is the premier T20 competition in PNG. As part of our desire to recognize new talent across the country, 18 of the 56 players selected in our women’s teams come from outside Port Moresby.

“This follows the successful staging of various Regional Tournaments such as the Central Cup in 2024. Alongside these regional players, we have both senior and U19 national players, and the best performers from the Port Moresby’s Cricket Association competitions last year.”

“I’d encourage all cricket fans to come out and support the best cricketers in PNG in the ISUZU T20 SMASH, with the women’s event starting this Friday 25 April,” he added.

Meanwhile Boroko Motors National Sales Manager Donovan Brooks said they are excited to finally get the tournament underway after continuous delays due to the weather in Port Moresby.

“The partnership between Cricket PNG and Boroko Motors brings together talented cricketers from across the nation and will continue to help in fostering the next generation of PNG cricket stars by providing them with the competitive platform they need to excel.”

Meanwhile all four teams will be led by experienced PNG Lewas cricketers as current Lewas Skipper and Wicket Keeper Brenda Tau lead the Cassowaries, Dika Lohia leads the Mudmen side, Black Bass will be captained by Henao Thomas as Naoani Vare lead the Mariners in this tournament.

The women’s teams will be coached by former Lewas cricketers Seilose Ambo (Cassowaries), Lucy Ovia (Mudmen), Pauke Siaka (Black Bass) and Nao Kamea (Mariners). They will be assisted by several coaches from the POMCA competition throughout the week-long event.

All matches will be at Amini Park in the Bisini Sports Precinct in Boroko. Entry to Amini Park is free for general admission for adults and free for children and students (with the appropriate ID). Grandstand tickets are available at K5.00 after general entry to the ground (on a first come/first served basis). The ISUZU T20 SMASH will be streamed live and exclusive through NV Play and Cricket PNG YouTube channels, with live scores available on the Cricket PNG website.

Match Dates: Rnd 1: April 25 Mariners v Mudmen (10am) Black Bass v Cassowaries (2pm)

                                  April 26 Mariners v Cassowaries (10am) Black Bass v Mudmen (2pm)

                                  April 27 Mudmen v Cassowaries (10am) Mariners v Black Bass (2pm)

                      Rnd 2: April 29 Black Bass v Cassowaries (10am) Mariners v Mudmen (2pm)

                                  April 30 Black Bass v Mudmen (10am) Mariners v Cassowaries (2pm)

                                  May 01 Mariners v Black Bass (10am) Mudmen v Cassowaries (2pm)

                      Finals: May 03 Third Place finals (10am) Grandfinal (2:30pm)