Sports
Samoa U19 Women Cricket Team Secures 2027 World Cup Spot
By Jeannie Penehuro/
Apia, SAMOA – 14 April 2026: The Samoa’s U19 women’s cricket team achieved a historic double victory at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier.
The team not only secured their place in the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup but also saw one of their star players crowned the tournament’s best performer.
Samoa’s standout talent, Avetia Fetu Mapu, was honoured as both the Player of the Tournament and Batter of the Tournament.
Over four innings, she scored 103 runs, including a top score of 67, helping her team dominate the competition.
Her exceptional batting prowess played a key role in Samoa’s undefeated run through the tournament.
Adding to Samoa’s success, Hardiya Padda earned the Bowler of the Tournament award.
She took nine wickets with an impressive economy rate of 2.85 and an average of just 4.11, with her best figures being 4/9.
Her breakthroughs with the ball were instrumental in maintaining Samoa’s winning momentum.
The tournament, hosted by Cricket Papua New Guinea, showcased intense competition among regional teams.
Samoa finished at the top of the league table with a perfect record of four wins, earning eight points and a commanding net run rate of 2.2375.
The team scored a total of 418 runs and conceded only 239 throughout the event.
ICC Tournament Director Emily O’Brien commended the host nation and the teams for their efforts.
With this victory, Samoa’s young cricketers have secured a coveted spot at the 2027 World Cup, marking a significant milestone for regional cricket development.
The Samoa Cricket Association expressed pride in the team’s achievement and looks forward to showcasing their talent on the global stage.
This double victory highlights Samoa’s rising prominence in women’s cricket and sets the stage for an exciting journey ahead.




