Fiji Women will face Cook Islands Women in the opening clash of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier 2025, set at Albert Park 1 in Suva on September 9. Both squads are eager to begin their campaign with a strong showing as the regional event also marks a significant occasion for women’s cricket in the Pacific.
Head-to-head, Cook Islands hold the dominant record as they’ve won all three meetings against Fiji in T20 internationals since 2023. Fiji, however, will look to flip the script after a tough series against Japan in the lead-up, and will be motivated to finally claim a win over their Pacific neighbours with home advantage.
Squads:
Fiji Women’s Cricket Team
Kiera Amoe, Maeavhanisi Erasito, Tabatha Saville, Ana Gonerara, Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga, Melaia Biu, Silivia Kijiana, Semaema Lomani, Sulia Vuni, Akosita Levaci, Jasvil Rokoro, Karalaini Vakuruivalu, Mele Waqanisau, Sarafina Tubakibau
Cook Islands Women’s Cricket Team
Esther Williams, Lily Lamb, Roma Bowers-Fleming, Tailor Maika, Tetiare Mataora, Zamera Ikiua, Daena Kataina, Koitai Mataora, Sonnia Vaia, Aketa Vailoa, Gabby Sullivan, Rachel Aurora, Sofia Samuels, Taiora Elikana
Players to watch out:
Sulia Vuni
Sulia Vuni has appeared in 24 T20Is, scoring 142 runs with a batting average of 8.35, a strike rate of 54.61, and registered the highest of 32. With the ball, she has taken 1 wicket at a high bowling average of 139.00. In the field, she has taken 7 catches. Vuni plays primarily as a batter who contributes occasionally with the ball for Fiji.
Melaia Biu
Melaia Biu is a left-handed batter and left-arm medium-fast bowler playing for Fiji Women. In 24 T20Is, she has scored 120 runs with a modest batting average of 6.67 and the highest score of 24*. With the ball, she has taken 13 wickets at an average of 34.08 and an economy rate of 6.18, providing useful bowling options for her team. Biu’s all-round abilities add balance to Fiji’s side.
Esther Williams
Esther Williams has featured in 7 T20I matches, scoring 54 runs at an average of 18, with a top score of 34*. With the ball, she has taken 4 wickets in 5 innings at an economy rate of 6.93, with best figures of 2/11. She is a right-arm fast bowler and bats right-handed and will be a key prospect for her side going into the tournament.
Tetiare Mataora
Tetiare Mataora is a right-handed all-rounder for Cook Islands. She has played 8 matches, scored 55 runs at an average of 9.17 (top score 30), and taken 3 wickets with a bowling average of 41.33. Mataora’s best T20I return read 2/24, and her strike rate with the bat is 64.71. Known for her right-arm fast bowling, she has contributed as both a batter and bowler for her side.
Pitch:
Albert Park 1 in Suva, Fiji, is known for its generally balanced nature, favoring both batters and bowlers with fair bounce and consistent playing conditions. However, when affected by moisture or rain, it will impact the pitch and outfield conditions.
Weather:
Suva will see cloudy skies and moderate to heavy rain showers, with a high of 23°C and low near 20°C. Humidity will be high, making conditions feel muggy. Expect around 13 mm of rainfall and winds of 15–19 km/h.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Kiera Amoe, Maeavhanisi Erasito, Tabatha Saville, Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga, Melaia Biu, Sulia Vuni, Esther Williams, Lily Lamb, Roma Bowers-Fleming, Tailor Maika, Tetiare Mataora
Match Details:
Date – September 9, 2025
Time – 3:00 AM IST
Venue – Alberta Park 1, Suva, Fiji
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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