Vanuatu Maintain Unbeaten Run with Comprehensive Victory Over Cook Islands

Vanuatu’s women’s cricket team continued their perfect start at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Suva, securing a dominant seven-wicket win over the Cook Islands on Wednesday to back up their opening victory against Indonesia a day earlier.

Vanuatu's women's cricket team celebrates their victory over Cook Islands at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier. Congratulations to the team on their outstanding performance!

The Cook Islands won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 118 from their 20 overs for the loss of only one wicket. Tetiara Mataora anchored the innings with a steady 49* (63), while Zamira Ikiua shone with an unbeaten 52 (53) — a performance that earned her the Player of the Match award. For Vanuatu, Vanessa Vira claimed the only wicket, returning figures of 1/24 from three overs.

In a display of camaraderie, players from Vanuatu and Cook Islands stand together at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier match, where Vanuatu continued their impressive unbeaten streak.

In reply, Vanuatu wasted no time in their chase. Skipper Rachel Andrew and Valenta Lengiatu set the platform with a 63-run opening stand from just 7.4 overs. Andrew contributed a run-a-ball 23 (3x4s), while Lengiatu powered her way to 45 off 30 deliveries, striking nine boundaries. Nasimana Navaika then took control with a composed 29* (25), supported by Susan Stephen (6* off 4), to guide Vanuatu to 3/122 in only 15.1 overs.

Reflecting on the win, captain Rachel Andrew praised her side’s all-round effort: The bowlers did their job — we were just trying to bowl according to the plans and execute them well,” she said. “With the bat, the plan was to make use of the power play and then let the middle order rotate through. The batters did really well to finish it off.”

With two wins from two matches, Vanuatu remain unbeaten and will now enjoy a rest day before facing hosts Fiji on Friday at 12.30 VUT. The top team in each group of four will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled for Saturday.