Vanuatu, the only unbeaten team in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier 2025, will meet Japan in the 2nd Semi-Final. The game will be played at Albert Park 2, Suva, on the 13th of September 2025, starting at 7:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
While Vanuatu has registered a hat-trick of dominant wins, Japan too have impressed with back-to-back victories in their respective group stage matches. Head-to-head, Vanuatu, with a 4-0 sweep over Japan, holds the edge heading into this must-win clash.
Squads:
Vanuatu Women’s Cricket Team
Alvina Chilia, Susan Stephen, Valenta Langiatu, Anna Griffin, Melissa Fare, Nasimana Navaika, Natalia Kakor, Rachel Andrew, Selina Solman, Gillian Chilia, Mahina Tarimiala, Rayline Ova, Vanessa Vira, Vicky Mansale
Japan Women’s Cricket Team
Erika Oda, Haruna Iwasaki, Seika Sumi, Ahilya Chandel, Mai Yanagida, Shimako Kato, Akari Nishimura, Hinase Goto, Ayumi Fujikawa, Elena Kusuda-Nairn, Erika Toguchi-Quinn, Kurumi Ota, Nonoha Yasumoto
Players to watch out:
Nasimana Navaika
The 29-year-old, in T20Is from 39 innings, has scored 571 runs, including the highest of 47*, and from 43 bowling outings has struck 56 wickets, with the best of 4/10. In this campaign so far, Nasimana has registered scores of 30 and 29*, alongside bowling figures of 3/27 and 0/15, delivering with both bat and ball. The team will count on her to continue in this form.
Vicky Mansale
The 24-year-old off-spinner, from 30 T20I innings, has picked up 29 wickets at an average of 17.75 and an economy rate of 5.65, with the best of 3/10. Vicky has had a quiet campaign so far, going wicketless in her previous two outings, registering bowling figures of 0/17 (4) and 0/19 (2). She will be backed to step up her bowling efforts, finding her way back among the wickets.
Mai Yanagida
The 32-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is from 49 batting innings, has accumulated 606 runs, and from 33 innings has picked up 27 wickets, registering bests of 64* and 4/8. Mai hasn’t bowled in this campaign, while with the bat she followed up her score of 14 with a 40 against Samoa. She is an experienced player and can be relied upon for the goods.
Ayumi Fujikawa
The 21-year-old pacer, from 22 innings, has picked up 22 wickets at an average of 14.68, with an economy rate of 5.12, and the best of 4/4. Ayumi has had a notable campaign so far, chipping in with scores of 14* and 4*, alongside bowling returns of 1/27, 1/7, and 2/11. She has quickly established herself as a mainstay, and given her early success, she is one to watch out for.
Pitch:
The pitch at Albert Park 2 in Suva, Fiji, is generally neutral, with some help for pacers. It offers consistent bounce and a fair balance between bat and ball. The matches here tend to be evenly contested without extreme bias toward batting or bowling.
Weather:
Clear skies, bright sunshine, and a dry atmosphere will greet the players, with temperatures hovering around 26°C and humidity at 77%. Importantly, no rain interruptions are expected.
Fantasy playing XI:
Erika Oda, Erika Toguchi-Quinn, Kurumi Ota, Mai Yanagida, Selina Solman, Rachel Andrew, Vanessa Vira, Nasimana Navaika, Ahilya Chandel, Haruna Iwasaki, Melissa Fare
Match details:
Date – September 13, 2025
Time – 7:00 AM IST
Venue – Albert Park 2, Suva
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
