The PNG Lewas may have stumbled in their opening match, but faith inside the camp of comeback remains solid.

Following a 41-run loss to Ireland at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, Head Coach Mahuru Dai says the defeat has not shaken the team’s confidence as they prepare for their next clash against Bangladesh.

Chasing 147, the Lewas finished on 105 for six from 20 overs. While the target proved out of reach, Dai said the match provided early lessons in a fast-paced T20 tournament where margins are thin and recovery must be immediate.

“There won’t be changes from the first game,” Dai said, backing the same lineup to respond stronger in the coming fixtures.

The coach dismissed suggestions that the recent Australia tour may have worn the squad down, instead describing it as a key part of their preparation leading into the tournament.

On the field, Dai highlighted PNG’s defensive discipline, noting the team’s ability to restrict boundaries and limit quick singles, an area he believes is progressing well.

Ahead of tomorrow’s match against Bangladesh, Dai said team morale remains high, and the players are focused on learning quickly and moving forward.

“The girls learn from the first game. We’ll come back hard for the second game and beyond,” he said.

For the Lewas, the opening loss is not a verdict, but a warning. Nevertheless, the campaign continues with hopes still alive.