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Vanuatu Triumphs Against Odds: Secures Spot at T20 World Cup Global Qualifier

Vanuatu defies expectations to secure the only spot at the Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, while UAE and Thailand dominate in the Asia Qualifier.

Defying expectations in the run-up to the Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, Vanuatu has secured the region’s sole spot at the Global Qualifier after a thrilling week of cricket. Despite a late push from Papua New Guinea in their match against Indonesia, Vanuatu managed to maintain their composure and clinch a 21-run victory over Japan, concluding the tournament unbeaten, as reported by ICC.

Selina Solman’s squad owed their tournament victory primarily to their exceptional bowling performance, successfully defending a total of 107 runs. They finished two points ahead of Papua New Guinea, the team they initially defeated on the tournament’s opening day, causing a stir.

Japan struggled to reach a total of 86/9 against Vanuatu’s strong fielding effort, with four bowlers claiming two wickets each. Rachel Andrew made a strong case for Player of the Tournament, taking 2/13 in her four overs in addition to her impressive 43 runs with the bat. Captain Solman (2/11), Vicky Mansale (2/15), and Vanessa Vira (2/19) all contributed to the outstanding bowling effort. Vira, who joined the team as a 16-year-old for the tournament’s preliminary series against Japan, emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets.

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This achievement means that Vanuatu will join Ireland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates as the five confirmed teams for the Qualifier scheduled for early next year. One team from the Americas tournament and two from the Europe and Africa tournaments will also secure their places in the Global Qualifier.

Also Read: International Cricket Matches This Week: Previews Of The Upcoming Matches

Meanwhile, at Vanuatu Cricket Ground No.1, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea knew that they needed both a win and a Vanuatu slip-up to have a chance. However, with Vanuatu’s flawless performance, Papua New Guinea secured the second-place finish with a comfortable 77-run victory.

Brenda Tau’s third T20I half-century set the foundation for Papua New Guinea, and late contributions from Sibona Jimmy (21 off 17 balls) and Kaia Arua (28* from 15) propelled them to a total of 141/4. In response, Indonesia struggled, with Maria Corazon Wombaki’s 33 being the only notable resistance as they fell well short.

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Earlier in the day, the Cook Islands secured a victory in their chase of 89 against Fiji. Youngster Zamera Maeva, participating in her first international tournament, shone with a score of 41, accompanied by her impressive bowling figures of 3/18. This ensured that every team at the tournament left Port Vila with a victory.

The Cook Islands’ win also allowed them to finish above Fiji in the table, while Samoa’s superior net run rate placed them in fifth. Japan secured a fourth-place finish with three wins at the start of the campaign, while Indonesia concluded the tournament in third place.

In parallel Asia Qualifier action held in Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand have secured their spots in the T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. In the first semi-final, the United Arab Emirates emerged victorious against Hong Kong with a convincing 57-run win, largely thanks to Esha Oza’s outstanding all-round performance.

After winning the toss, UAE captain Chaya Mughal opted to bat first, and her decision paid off with her side posting a competitive total of 141/4, largely driven by a strong 120-run partnership between Oza and Kavisha Egodage. Oza led the way with a remarkable 85 off 50 balls, while Egodage contributed with 42* off 46 balls. In response, Hong Kong struggled, with only two players reaching double-digit scores.

In the second semi-final, Thailand defeated Nepal by 46 runs in a low-scoring contest. Nannapat Koncharoenkai played a pivotal role, guiding Thailand to 105/2 with an unbeaten 63-ball 59. Nepal’s batting lineup crumbled in response, managing only 59 runs.

Thipatcha Putthawong and Onnicha Kamchomphu stood out with three wickets each for Thailand, while Nattaya Boochatham’s two scalps took her tournament tally to 16, the highest in the competition.

UAE and Thailand are set to face off in the final of the tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

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