The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 2025 concluded with an action-packed final day of playoffs that decided the tournament standings. From spirited battles for the lower spots to a commanding title win, the matches showcased resilience, skill, and the rising depth of women’s cricket in the region.
In the 5th Place Play-off, Fiji Women clinched a 5-wicket win over Samoa Women, while the 7th Place Play-off saw the Philippines Women overcome early jitters to secure a 4-wicket victory against Cook Islands Women. In the 3rd Place Play-off, Indonesia Women produced a dominant performance to beat Japan Women by 8 wickets, cementing their place on the podium. The grand finale capped off the tournament in style as Papua New Guinea Women were crowned champions with a commanding 9-wicket win over Vanuatu Women.
Match 5th Place Playoff: Samoa Women vs Fiji Women
Fiji Women clinched a 5-wicket win over Samoa Women to seal 5th place.
Samoa’s innings never really found momentum, collapsing to 74 all out in just 12.3 overs. The top three batters; Angel Sootaga, Carol Agafili, and skipper Regina Lili’i, departed with just 2 runs on the board, leaving the side in deep trouble. Fa’aiuga Sisifo’s 7 offered little resistance before Avetia Mapu counter-attacked with a spirited 29 off 19 balls, the only bright spark in an otherwise faltering batting effort. The rest of the line-up couldn’t cross single digits, as Fiji’s bowlers kept a tight hold on proceedings.
Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga led the attack with 3/26, while Serafina Sigaiwasa (2/6) produced an economical spell. Ana Gonerara (1/4) and Mele Waqanisau (1/14) chipped in to wrap up the innings quickly.
In reply, Fiji’s chase was steady but tested by Samoa’s fightback. Openers Semaema Lomani (13) and Sulia Vuni (23*) gave a platform, but a mini collapse in the middle overs saw batters fall cheaply. Down the order, Silvia Kijiana added a valuable 13 as Fiji reached 75/5 in 13.5 overs to secure victory. Samoa’s captain Regina Lili’i shone with the ball, taking 3/11, supported by Ailaoa Aoina’s 2/26, but their efforts weren’t enough to defend a modest total.
Match 7th Place Playoff: Cook Islands Women vs Philippines Women
Philippines Women overcame early jitters to seal a 4-wicket win over Cook Islands Women and finish 7th.
Batting first, Cook Islands posted 115/6 in their 20 overs. The innings saw small but useful contributions throughout, though no one was able to anchor a big score. Tailor Maika (19) and Zamera Ikiua (19) gave the middle overs some momentum, while Sonnia Vaia (22) and Esther Williams (12) added stability. Skipper Gabby Sullivan fell cheaply for 1, but Koitai Mataora’s unbeaten 13 helped push the total past 110. For the Philippines, Karri Gullem Keen starred with the ball (3/17), well supported by captain Katie Donovan’s 2/18.
Phillipines didn’t have a good start to the chase with openers Alex Smith (0) and Jhon Andreano (0) falling without scoring, and despite Amelia Valdez’s 13, the scoreboard looked uncertain. But the middle order stood tall, Karri Gullem Keen struck 22, while captain Katie Donovan led from the front with a composed 31. In the closing stages, Kyte Gullem Keen (10*) and Angela Busa (12*) held their nerve, guiding their side to 116/6 in 18.3 overs and sealing a well-earned victory. For Cook Islands, Gabby Sullivan bowled superbly to claim 3/9, while Roma Bowers-Fleming (1/9), Esther Williams (1/20), and Zamera Ikiua (1/26) chipped in with wickets to keep the contest alive until the end.
Match 3rd Place Playoff: Japan Women vs Indonesia Women
Indonesia Women clinched 3rd place with a dominant 8-wicket win over Japan.
Batting first, Japan put up 125/7 in 20 overs, largely to a captain’s knock from Mai Yanagida, who struck a superb 67. She held the innings together after early setbacks, with Shimako Kato (17) providing brief support. However, the rest of the batting line-up struggled, with most falling in single digits. Among Indonesia’s bowlers, Ni Luh Dewi (2/21) and Ni Made Putri Suwandewi (2/20) kept things tight, while Ni Wayan Sariani chipped in with 1/17.
Chasing 126, Indonesia’s innings was anchored brilliantly by their opener, who smashed an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls. Despite early wickets, Desi Wulandari (1) and Ni Kadek Fitria Rada Rani (7), the chase never looked in doubt as captain Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini guided her side home with a fluent 35* at the other end. Indonesia reached 128/2 in 18.5 overs to seal a comfortable victory. For Japan, Nonoha Yasumoto impressed with 2/18, but lacked enough support from the other bowlers to defend a modest total.
Final: Vanuatu Women vs Papua New Guinea Women
Papua New Guinea Women crowned champions with a dominant 9-wicket victory over Vanuatu.
Batting first, Vanuatu posted 113/9 in 20 overs. Skipper Rachel Andrew led from the front with a fighting 45 off just 26 balls, striking boundaries to keep her side in the contest. Valenta Langiatu (12) and Nasimana Navaika (10) offered brief support, while Susan Stephen added 23 in the middle order. However, regular wickets pegged Vanuatu back, as the rest of the line-up struggled to convert starts. PNG’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance with Geua Tom (3/15) and Isabel Toua (3/18) dismantled the middle order, while Henao Thomas (2/15) ensured the pressure never eased.
In reply, the chase was a statement of authority. Naoani Vare anchored the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 57 off 47 balls, well supported by captain Brenda Tau’s fluent 39*. Together, they ensured there were no nerves after the early dismissal of Konio Oala (7). PNG comfortably reached 114/1 in 15.1 overs, sealing a comprehensive 9-wicket win. For Vanuatu, Vanessa Vira picked up the lone wicket (1/21), but their bowlers couldn’t find breakthroughs against PNG’s confident batting.
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