Indonesia have qualified for next year’s inaugural Women’s Under-19 World Cup after a surprise series win over East-Asia Pacific associate powerhouses Papua New Guinea.

The series between the two sides took place at Udayana University in Bali and began on Sunday. The visitors won the toss in the opening contest and put the home side into bat, restricting them to 105-9, Ni Luh Dewi top scoring with 35. Erani Pokana was the pick of the PNG bowlers, taking four wickets for only eight runs.

Papua New Guinea lost both openers for ducks in their reply and Melanie Ani’s 26 was the sole contribution of note. Yessny Djahilepang and Ni Kadek Ariani both took three wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 68, losing by 37 runs.

PNG bounced back in the second game yesterday. Again choosing to bowl first, they kept Indonesia to 69-9 from their 20 overs, Dika Lohia taking five wickets for just eight runs. They took their time chasing the target, reaching it after 18.5 overs to win by four wickets and square the series.

The series concluded today in a low-scoring and close contest. Put into bat yet again, Indonesia scored 89-8 from their 20 overs. Ni Luh Dewi again top scored with 35. Indonesia conceded that many runs in extras in the Papua New Guinea reply but still managed to defend their total. The last wicket fell four balls from the end of the PNG innings with the home side winning by two runs.

The next regional qualifier for next year’s World Cup will be decided by a three match series between the Netherlands and Scotland. The Dutch will host from 9-11 August.