Samoa clinches 2027 World Cup spot after dominant qualifier performance

Samoa has secured a spot in the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup after a dominant, undefeated performance at the East Asia Pacific [EAP] Qualifier in Port Moresby.

The Samoans finished at the top of the table with a perfect record of four wins from four matches, concluding the tournament with eight points and a superior net run rate of 2.2375. The presentation ceremony was held on Monday, April 13, following the final round of matches.

Samoa’s Avetia Fetu Mapu was the standout performer of the tournament, claiming both the Player of the Tournament and Batter of the Tournament honors. Mapu scored a total of 103 runs across four innings, including a tournament-high score of 67. Teammate Hardiya Padda was named Bowler of the Tournament after taking nine wickets with an exceptional economy rate of 2.85 and an average of 4.11.

The Team of the Tournament featured a strong contingent from the winning side, including Mapu, Padda, Jane Taliilagi Manase, and Telesia Vaoala Gabriel. Hosts Papua New Guinea were represented in the elite squad by Mea Loa and Molong Hobart.

Cricket PNG Board Chairman Michael Harrison thanked the ICC and tournament staff for the successful delivery of the event, while also acknowledging the sportsmanship displayed by the competing nations. "

To all the teams, thank you for your sportsmanship. I hope you all had fun and made new friends while here," Chairman Harrison said.

ICC Tournament Director Emily O’Brien praised Cricket PNG for their hosting duties and wished Samoa success in their upcoming global preparations.

"To Samoa, congratulations. You are now the winning team that qualified to represent the East Asia Pacific region," O’Brien said.

Indonesia finished the qualifier in second place with three wins, followed by Fiji and Papua New Guinea, while Vanuatu ended their campaign without a victory.