The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier witnessed another action-packed round of fixtures, with teams showcasing their dominance and intent on the road to global cricket’s biggest stage. From Japan’s clinical display against Samoa to Papua New Guinea’s record-breaking performance, and from Indonesia’s steady rise to Vanuatu’s composed chase, the tournament delivered a mix of powerful batting, disciplined bowling, and commanding victories that highlighted the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket in the region.
Match 5: Japan Women vs Samoa Women
Japan Women registered a commanding 71-run victory over Samoa Women to continue their strong campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.
Batting first, Japan posted 133/5 in their 20 overs. After early dismissals, captain Mai Yanagida (40 off 36) anchored the innings with a composed knock. She was well supported by Erika Oda (27) and Haruna Iwasaki (24) in the middle order, while Ahilya Chandel’s unbeaten 13 gave Japan a solid finish. For Samoa, Taalili Iosefo (2/28) was the pick of the bowlers, with Tuaoloa Semau (1/22) and Regina Lili’i (1/25) also among the wickets.
In reply, Samoa’s batting faltered from the outset as Japan’s bowlers dominated proceedings. Openers failed to provide a foundation, with only Angel Sootaga (11) and Leitu Leong (10*) managing double figures. Captain Regina Lili’i fell cheaply for just 1, and the rest of the lineup crumbled, leaving Samoa all out for 62 in 13.5 overs. Japan’s bowling unit was clinical, Nonoha Yasumoto led the charge with 4/11, while Erika Toguchi-Quinn (2/14) and the trio of Kurumi Ota (1/5), Ayumi Fujikawa (1/7), and Ahilya Chandel (1/13) chipped in to seal a resounding win.
Match 6: Indonesia Women vs Fiji Women
Indonesia Women continued their impressive run at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier with a 42-run victory over Fiji Women.
Batting first, Indonesia put up a competitive 143/6 on the board. Maria Corazon (38 off 32) provided a solid start before skipper Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini (44) held the innings together with a fine captain’s knock. Contributions from Ni Luh Dewi (15) and Ni Kadek Fitria Rada Rani (17*) in the later overs ensured Indonesia crossed the 140-mark. For Fiji, Silvia Kijiana (2/15) impressed with the ball, while Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga (2/28), Serafina Sigaiwasa (1/14), and Mele Waqanisau (1/22) provided support.
Fiji’s chase never really took off as their top order crumbled to single digits. At 20/4, they were in deep trouble, but Tabatha Saville (33) tried to revive the innings. Mele Waqanisau (25* off 33) fought valiantly at the back end, yet with little support from the rest of the lineup, Fiji were bowled out for 101 in 19.3 overs. Indonesia’s bowlers worked in unison, with Ni Made Putri Suwandewi (2/19) and Dara Paramitha (2/21) leading the attack. They were well supported by Ni Ariani (1/11), Ni Luh Dewi (1/18), and Ni Wayan Sariani (1/24), ensuring no partnerships flourished.
Match 7: Papua New Guinea Women vs Philippines Women
Papua New Guinea Women produced a dominating all-round display to crush the Philippines Women by 168 runs in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.
Batting first, PNG’s innings was nothing short of spectacular. Konio Oala stole the show with a blistering 124* off just 66 balls at a strike rate of 187.87, peppering the ground with boundaries. She found excellent support from Naoani Vare (55), the pair putting on a commanding opening stand. Skipper Brenda Tau (31* off 13) provided the finishing flourish as PNG posted a mammoth 224/1 in their 20 overs. The only breakthrough for the Philippines came courtesy of Reyven Castillo.
Chasing a mountain, the Philippines struggled right from the start. Wickets tumbled in quick succession with only Karri Gullem Keen (19) and Amelia Valdez (11) showing brief resistance. The rest of the batting order collapsed under relentless pressure, and they were bundled out for 56 in 19.4 overs. PNG’s bowling attack was ruthless; Pauke Siaka delivered a dream spell, claiming 5/1 in just 3.4 overs, while Hane Tau (2/9) and Henao Thomas (2/11) dismantled the middle and lower order with ease.
Match 8: Cook Islands Women vs Vanuatu Women
Vanuatu Women kept their winning momentum going with a 7-wicket victory over Cook Islands Women in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.
Batting first, Cook Islands posted a steady 118/1 in their 20 overs. Despite losing opener Tailor Maika (5) early, the side was anchored by Tetiare Mataora’s composed 49* off 63 balls and Zamera Ikiua’s fluent 52* off 53, who stitched together an unbeaten partnership to guide their team to a respectable total. For Vanuatu, Vanessa Vira (1/24) was the lone wicket-taker.
In reply, Vanuatu chased the target down with confidence, finishing at 122/3 in just 15.1 overs. Skipper Rachel Andrew set the tone with 23 off 23, while Valenta Langiatu’s aggressive 45 off 30 kept the scoreboard moving. Nasimana Navaika (29* off 25) ensured the chase was wrapped up smoothly, with support from Selina Solman (10). Cook Islands tried to fight back with wickets from Aketa Vailoa (1/2), Zamera Ikiua (1/3), and Esther Williams (1/13), but the target proved too small against Vanuatu’s confident batting.
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