The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier got underway with an action-packed opening round, delivering a mix of dominant victories, gritty performances, and thrilling contests that set the tone for the tournament ahead. With batters rising to the occasion, bowlers delivering match-winning spells, and teams eager to stake their claim, the opening clashes have set up an exciting battle for regional supremacy and a pathway to the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Match 1: Cook Islands Women vs Fiji Women
Fiji Women got their campaign off to a flying start with a dominant 9-wicket victory over Cook Islands Women in Match 1 of the tournament.
Batting first, Cook Islands Women struggled to find momentum and posted a modest 114/6 in 20 overs. Skipper Gabby Sullivan top-scored with a steady 21, while contributions came in from Zamera Maeva (17), Sonnia Vaia (11 off 13), and Esther Williams (11 off 13). Later in the innings, Tetiare Mataora (20 off 20) played a quick cameo, and both Koitai Mataora (10*) and Daena Kataina (10*) added late runs to push their side past the 110-mark.
The Fiji bowlers were disciplined throughout, never allowing the Cook Islands batters to settle. Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga was the pick of the attack with superb figures of 2/10, while Mele Waqanisau (1/17), Jasvil Rokoro (1/24), and Serafina Sigaiwasa (1/26) chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
In reply, Fiji Women’s chase was clinical. Openers Sulia Vuni (44* off 44) and Semaema Lomani (43) set the tone with a commanding partnership that dismantled Cook Islands’ bowling plans. Once Lomani departed, Silvia Kijiana (15*) joined Vuni to comfortably guide Fiji home. They reached 115/1 in just 17.2 overs, sealing a comprehensive 9-wicket win with ease.
Match 2: Papua New Guinea Women vs Japan Women
Papua New Guinea Women kicked off their campaign with a convincing 46-run victory over Japan Women, showcasing both batting depth and bowling firepower.
Batting first, PNG Women posted a competitive total of 139/4 in 20 overs. The foundation was laid by a solid top-order partnership as Konio Oala played a fluent knock of 50 off 39 balls, striking boundaries at key moments to keep the scoreboard moving. She was well supported by Naoani Vare, who anchored the innings with a steady 43 off 50 deliveries. In the later stages, Henao Thomas (14 off 15) and Hollan Doriga (16* off 12) added crucial runs, ensuring PNG crossed the 135-mark.
Japan’s bowling attack tried hard to contain the flow of runs, with Shimako Kato standing out with excellent figures of 2/16. Ayumi Fujikawa (1/27) and Erika Toguchi-Quinn (1/35) also chipped in, but the lack of breakthroughs during the Oala–Vare partnership proved costly.
Chasing 140 for victory, Japan Women struggled to build momentum against PNG’s disciplined bowling. The top order faltered early, with Akari Nishimura (13) and Erika Oda (1) falling cheaply. Skipper Mai Yanagida tried to stabilize with 14 off 21, but the innings never truly gained traction. The standout for Japan was Haruna Iwasaki, who produced a fighting 31 off 17 balls, playing some aggressive strokes to momentarily lift hopes.
However, with the middle order collapsing for single digits, Japan’s chase fell apart. In the lower order, Ayumi Fujikawa remained unbeaten on 13*, but by then the required rate had climbed too high. Japan were eventually bowled out for 93 in 19.5 overs, falling well short of the target.
For PNG, the bowlers delivered with precision. Isabel Toua was the star with the ball, claiming a brilliant 3/8 in her spell, while Geua Tom picked up 2/23 to keep the pressure on. The rest of the attack maintained discipline, ensuring no easy runs for the Japanese batters.
Match 3: Vanuatu Women vs Indonesia Women
Vanuatu Women edged out Indonesia Women by 10 runs in a thrilling contest, registering their first win of the tournament on the back of a captain’s knock and an all-round bowling effort.
Batting first, Vanuatu posted 131/2 in their 20 overs, built largely around a sensational innings from skipper Rachel Andrew, who remained unbeaten on a commanding 85 off 71 balls. Leading from the front, Andrew struck boundaries with confidence and anchored the innings after early setbacks. At the other end, Nasimana Navaika played the perfect supporting role with a patient 30 off 47 deliveries, holding one end together.
The only hiccups came when Valenta Langiatu (1) fell cheaply and Selina Solman (1*) remained not out at the close. With wickets in hand, Vanuatu managed to post a competitive total despite Indonesia’s tidy bowling. The only breakthrough came from Dara Paramitha, who finished with 1 wicket, while the rest of the bowlers failed to contain the Andrew–Navaika partnership.
Chasing 132, Indonesia began steadily with the top order showing promise. Maria Corazon compiled a gritty 40 off 64 balls, while Desi Wulandari added 20 off 33, setting a platform for the chase. Middle-order contributions from Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini (18) and Ni Luh Dewi (10) kept Indonesia in the hunt. However, the rest of the lineup faltered under pressure, collapsing to single digits as Vanuatu’s bowlers seized control of the contest. In the end, Indonesia fell short, managing 121/8 in 20 overs, just 10 runs adrift of the target.
Vanuatu’s bowling unit delivered a collective performance. Skipper Rachel Andrew capped off her brilliant day with the ball as well, taking 3/10 in a match-winning all-round display. Nasimana Navaika also shone with 3/27, while Vanessa Vira (1/20) and Selina Solman (1/35) chipped in with vital wickets. Their ability to strike at key intervals ensured Indonesia never built lasting partnerships.
Match 4: Philippines Women vs Samoa Women
Samoa Women produced a commanding performance to claim a resounding 9-wicket victory over the Philippines Women, showcasing their dominance with both ball and bat in a one-sided contest.
Batting first, Philippines Women endured a disastrous outing with the bat, crumbling to just 42 all out in 17.3 overs. The top order offered little resistance, with Alex Smith (2), Jhon Andreano (4), and skipper Katie Donovan (1) all falling cheaply. The lone bright spot came from Karri Gullem Keen, who played a fighting knock of 15 off 10 balls, displaying intent amidst the collapse. Unfortunately, no other batter could reach double figures as Samoa’s bowlers ran riot.
The bowling attack was spearheaded by captain Regina Lili’i, who delivered a stunning spell of 3/3, dismantling the top order. She was well supported by Taalili Iosefo (3/5), who ripped through the middle order with her accuracy. Contributions also came from Tuaoloa Semau (1/1), Olive Lefaga (1/7), and Ailaoa Aoina (1/17), ensuring the Philippines never recovered from their early setbacks.
Chasing a modest target of 43, Samoa Women made light work of the run chase, cruising to 43/1 in just 6.2 overs. Opener Faaiuga Pouta anchored the innings with 15 off 25 balls, while Angel Sootaga struck a brisk 16* off 12 deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Skipper Regina Lili’i, fresh from her brilliant bowling spell, added an unbeaten 4 to finish the job.
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