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Samoa Qualify for Second Straight U19 Women's T20 World Cup

Samoa has qualified for its second consecutive ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup after winning the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Papua New Guinea without losing a match. The team sealed the title by defeating Fiji in the final, successfully defending a total of 130 runs. Key bowling performances, including from Telesia Vaoala Gabriel and Hardiya Padda, were instrumental throughout the tournament, notably in a dramatic low-scoring win over hosts Papua New Guinea. Samoa becomes the first team to secure its place for the 2026 global event via regional qualification.

Key Points: Samoa Qualify for U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2026

  • Unbeaten qualifier campaign
  • Defended 130 to beat Fiji in final
  • Bowlers dominate with multiple 4-wicket hauls
  • First team to secure 2026 World Cup spot
2 min read

Samoa qualify for second consecutive U19 Women's T20 WC

Samoa goes unbeaten to win the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, securing a second consecutive appearance at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup.

"There was little stopping the Samoans despite a target on their back this time as tournament favourites. - ICC reports"

Port Moresby, April 13

Samoa will make a second consecutive appearance at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup after winning the 2026 East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Papua New Guinea on Monday.

Olive Lefaga Lemoe's side went unbeaten at Amini Park in Port Moresby, beating Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu and the hosts to claim the trophy.

Samoa defeated Fiji on the final day to close out their campaign and claim World Cup tickets, this time defending 130. Avetia Mapu, who led the side at the 2024 edition of the U19 World Cup, finished with an unbeaten 67 from 62 balls to set up her side's defence. With the ball, Samoa were emphatic, keeping Fiji to 72, ICC reports.

There was little stopping the Samoans despite a target on their back this time as tournament favourites, overcoming Vanuatu on the opening day by 58 runs.

A 53-run win over the Indonesians followed, though the Samoans faced a bigger test in match three against Papua New Guinea, made more difficult after slumping to just 58 all out.

The side's bowlers responded in emphatic fashion, with Hardiya Padda's 4/9 (4) and Telesia Vaoala Gabriel's 4/7 (3.4) completing a great escape, holding Papua New Guinea to just 48.

It was Vaoala Gabriel again to stand up with the ball on the final day, taking 4-19 (4) alongside Padda (2-9 off three overs).

Under Lefaga Lemoe, the side will aim to taste victory for the first time in next year's global event, having fallen short of a victory in 2024.

The team hailing from the Pacific Ocean are the first side to book tickets for the World Cup via regional qualification, with the next spot to be determined in the Asia region later this month.

In 2024, Samoa shocked the field at the U19 Women's East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, topping the four-team competition to book tickets for the Women's U19 T20 World Cup 2025. It's was first time a Samoa had qualified for a World Cup in the sport in men's and women's cricket, and across any format or age level.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great fight from Samoa! Defending 130 against Fiji shows good temperament. Avetia Mapu's 67* must have been a captain's knock. The bowling figures are insane - 4/7 and 4/9! This is what happens when you back your players. More power to them!
D
David E
As a cricket fan living in India, I love these stories. The Pacific islands bringing so much passion. Remember how they shocked everyone in 2024? Hope they get more funding and facilities. ICC should focus on these nations, not just the big three.
A
Anjali F
Their comeback after being all out for 58 against PNG was brilliant! Bowling them out for 48... wow. Shows mental strength. Our Indian women's team can learn from this never-give-up attitude. Sometimes we collapse under pressure. All the best to Samoa for the World Cup! 🇼🇸
S
Siddharth J
Happy for them, but let's be honest, the competition level in EAP qualifier is not high. The real test will be at the World Cup against teams like India, England, Australia. Hope they put up a good fight and don't just get rolled over. Need more competitive matches for growth.
K
Kavya N
This is the beauty of T20 cricket! It gives smaller teams a chance. Samoa's story gives me 2007 T20 World Cup vibes - unexpected teams rising up. Hope they cause an upset or two next year. The women's U19 WC is becoming more exciting every edition.

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