Samoa booked their place at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 following an unbeaten run in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier held in Port Moresby, sealing consecutive appearances on the global stage. Under the leadership of Olive Lefaga Lemoe, the team once again demonstrated their growing dominance in the region with a flawless four-match campaign. Competing at Amini Park, Samoa registered victories over Vanuatu, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji, mirroring their successful qualification journey from 2024.
They opened their campaign with a convincing 58-run win against Vanuatu. After posting a competitive total, Samoa’s bowlers took control to comfortably restrict their opponents. The performance highlighted a strong all-round display, with both departments contributing effectively. This was followed by another authoritative outing, as Samoa defeated Indonesia by 53 runs. Their consistent approach—setting defendable targets and backing them with disciplined bowling—once again proved decisive, as Indonesia never managed to mount a serious challenge.
The encounter against hosts Papua New Guinea (PNG) posed the toughest challenge of the tournament. Samoa were dismissed for just 58, leaving them under pressure. However, the bowlers responded with a remarkable performance. Hardiya Padda (4/9) and Telesia Vaoala Gabriel (4/7) led a stunning turnaround, bowling PNG out for 48. The dramatic win underlined Samoa’s resilience and their ability to recover from difficult situations.
In the final fixture against Fiji Under-19 women’s cricket team, Samoa needed a victory to confirm qualification—and they delivered emphatically. Batting first, they posted 130, powered by an unbeaten 67 off 62 balls from Avetia Mapu, who had also captained the team at the previous U19 World Cup. Her innings formed the backbone of the total, giving Samoa a strong platform to defend.
With the ball, Samoa maintained their dominance. Fiji were restricted to 72, sealing a comfortable win and confirming Samoa’s qualification. Telesia Vaoala Gabriel continued her impressive run, claiming 4/19, while Padda supported with 2/9, capping off a tournament where Samoa’s bowling unit consistently delivered under pressure.
Key Highlights
- Samoa won all four matches to qualify unbeaten
- Victories came against Vanuatu, Indonesia, PNG, and Fiji
- Padda (4/9) and Vaoala Gabriel (4/7) starred against PNG
- Avetia Mapu scored an unbeaten 67 in the final match
- Samoa secured back-to-back U19 Women’s T20 World Cup appearances
Across the tournament, Samoa’s success was driven by a well-rounded team effort. Their batting unit consistently produced competitive totals, while the bowlers stepped up in both defending targets and turning matches around. Contributions from Mapu, Padda, and Vaoala Gabriel were central to their dominant run.
With qualification secured for a second successive U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, Samoa have strengthened their reputation as an emerging force in the East Asia-Pacific region. Their ability to meet expectations as favourites and still deliver commanding performances reflects the team’s continued development.
Looking ahead to 2027, Samoa will carry both confidence and experience gained from consecutive qualification campaigns. If their current form is any indication, they will approach the global tournament as a side capable of making a meaningful impact.
