Samoa Qualifies for Women’s U19 T20 World Cup After Impressive East Asia-Pacific Performance
A victory over Fiji on the final day secured Samoa’s top position in the double round-robin East Asia-Pacific Qualifier for the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Indonesia.
By Daniel Beswick
Samoa has surprised the field at the U19 Women’s East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, emerging at the top of the four-team competition to secure a place in next year’s Women’s U19 T20 World Cup. This marks the first time a Samoan team has qualified for a World Cup in any format or age group in men’s or women’s cricket.
Samoa v Fiji Scorecard
Heading into the sixth and final matchday in Indonesia, Avetia Fetu Mapu’s side controlled their fate and ensured their progression with a four-wicket win over Fiji, achieved with 34 balls to spare.
Entering the competition as underdogs, Samoa faced strong challenges from last year’s Women’s U19 T20 World Cup participants, Indonesia, and a Papua New Guinea team featuring several senior internationals.
Despite the pre-tournament expectations, the Samoans asserted their dominance on the competition from the first matchday, confidently chasing a target of 124 against Papua New Guinea. Mapu’s 31* (23) supported No.3 Verra Farane’s 44 (31).
The Samoans went on to defeat Indonesia in both fixtures against the hosts in low-scoring thrillers, winning the first match by chasing down 72 with two wickets and two overs to spare, and securing an eight-run victory four days later. In their second meeting, defending a mere 81, Samoa bowled out Indonesia for 73, with Silepea Plataivao taking 6/15 (4).
Samoa Defend 81 Against Indonesia
Samoa did lose to Papua New Guinea in their second encounter, but Papua New Guinea had also lost to Indonesia earlier in the tournament. This meant that a final-day win for Samoa would guarantee their top spot and qualification.
Fiji’s Mele Waqanisau took a hat-trick, creating some nervous moments for Samoa in their chase of 89. However, senior Samoan international Angel Sootaga So provided a solid start, allowing the lower order to complete the chase in the 15th over.
