Samoa Secures Spot in ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup for Second Year Running
Synopsis
Samoa has made history by qualifying for the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup for the second consecutive time, showcasing their cricketing prowess in the 2026 East Asia-Pacific Qualifier held in Papua New Guinea. Their unbeaten streak has set the stage for a thrilling global event.
Key Takeaways
Samoa's unbeaten streak in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.
Impressive performances from players like Avetia Mapu and the bowling squad.
The historic qualification for the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup.
Leadership of Olive Lefaga Lemoe as a driving force.
Aiming for their first global victory in the upcoming tournament.
Port Moresby, April 13 (NationPress) Samoa has secured its spot for a consecutive time in the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup by triumphing in the 2026 East Asia-Pacific Qualifier held in Papua New Guinea on Monday.
Under the leadership of Olive Lefaga Lemoe, the team remained undefeated at Amini Park, defeating Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu, and the hosts to seize the championship.
On the final day, Samoa overcame Fiji to finalize their successful campaign, defending a target of 130 runs. Avetia Mapu, who captained the team in the 2024 U19 World Cup, played a pivotal role by scoring an unbroken 67 runs off 62 deliveries to ensure a strong defense. Samoa's bowling attack was dominant, restricting Fiji to just 72 runs, according to ICC reports.
Despite being the favorites with a target on their backs, the Samoan team showcased resilience, starting their campaign with a decisive 58-run win over Vanuatu.
Following this, they secured a 53-run victory against Indonesia, but the challenge intensified in their third match against Papua New Guinea, where they were bowled out for a mere 58 runs.
The bowlers rallied dramatically, with Hardiya Padda claiming 4 wickets for just 9 runs in 4 overs, and Telesia Vaoala Gabriel achieving 4 wickets for 7 runs in 3.4 overs, leading to a remarkable turnaround by restricting Papua New Guinea to only 48 runs.
On the decisive day, Vaoala Gabriel excelled again with figures of 4-19 in 4 overs, while Padda contributed with 2 wickets for 9 runs over three overs.
With the guidance of Lefaga Lemoe, the team is determined to secure their first victory at the global tournament next year, having narrowly missed out in 2024.
The Pacific Island nation is the first to qualify for the World Cup through regional qualifications, with another opportunity for teams in the Asia region to qualify later this month.
In 2024, Samoa made headlines by topping the U19 Women's East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, earning their place in the Women's U19 T20 World Cup 2025. This marked a historic moment as it was the first instance of Samoa qualifying for a World Cup in cricket, across all formats and age levels.
Point of View
It's inspiring to witness Samoa's exceptional performance in cricket, marking a significant milestone for the nation. Their consecutive qualification for the U19 Women's T20 World Cup not only elevates the team's profile but also serves as a testament to the growing talent in Samoan cricket. This achievement deserves recognition as it highlights the potential of Pacific nations in the global sports arena.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Samoa qualify for the U19 Women's T20 World Cup?
Samoa qualified by winning the 2026 East Asia-Pacific Qualifier held in Papua New Guinea, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Who led the Samoan team in this tournament?
The Samoan team was led by Olive Lefaga Lemoe, who played a crucial role in guiding the team to victory.
What was the performance of Avetia Mapu?
Avetia Mapu scored an impressive unbeaten 67 runs in the final match against Fiji, contributing significantly to Samoa's successful campaign.
When is the next U19 Women's T20 World Cup?
The next ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled for next year, where Samoa aims to achieve their first victory.
What makes this qualification historic for Samoa?
This qualification is historic as it marks the first time Samoa has qualified for a World Cup in cricket across all formats and age levels.
