Emerging national stars Gillian Chilia & Natalia Kakor to compete in Auckland Women’s Premier Cricket

The Vanuatu Cricket Association is pleased to announce that Gillian Chilia and Natalia Kakor, both 20-year-old members of the Vanuatu National Women’s Cricket Team, will compete in the 2026 season with Parnell Cricket Club in Auckland’s Women’s Premier Competition after departing Port Vila on Wednesday.

Both players are established members of the national squad, which currently sits 30th in the ICC Women’s T20I world rankings. Their selection follows an invitation from Parnell Cricket Club President Rod Smith, who observed Gillian and Natalia during the 2025 Exotic Cricket (Veterans) Tour to Port Vila and was impressed by their skill level, work ethic, and approach to the game.

The opportunity to play in New Zealand’s premier women’s competition represents a significant step in the players’ ongoing development. Regular exposure to a higher-intensity domestic environment will allow both athletes to test themselves against some of the strongest club cricketers in the region, accelerating their growth technically, tactically, and professionally.

The timing of the Auckland season also aligns well with Vanuatu’s international calendar. The national women’s team is preparing for a tour to Rwanda in April to compete in the ICC Women’s T20 Challenge Trophy, where they will face national sides including Italy, Nepal, the United States, and hosts Rwanda. Experience gained in New Zealand is expected to translate directly into stronger international performances.

Quote from Chris Laffan (High Performance Manager & National Head Coach)

"Both Gillian and Natalia have been developing members of our National Women's team since 2023. We are very thankful that Rod Smith has provided this opportunity for both Gillian and Natalia to play at the highest level in Auckland, which will no doubt excel their development and allow them to grow their ability against the best cricketers in New Zealand.''

The selection of Chilia and Kakor reflects the continued progress of women’s cricket in Vanuatu and highlights the growing network of international pathways now available to our nation's cricketers through strong partnerships and shared commitment to development.