ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier set to begin this week

U-19 Indonesia Women Cricket. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Qualification for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 begins this week with Indonesia playing host to Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa. With direct qualification to the second edition of the World Cup on the line, all teams have reason to believe and represent their country with pride.

Hosting the event for the second iteration in a row, Indonesia will be keen to repeat its exhilarating victory in 2022. It may have come down to the last ball of the event, but Indonesia’s narrow victory over Papua New Guinea last time took them to their first-ever ICC World Cup, a feat the team will be looking to repeat.

Lie Qiao, captain of Indonesia said: “This tournament holds immense importance for us as a team. It’s not just about the competition itself; it’s a culmination of months of rigorous training and preparation. These matches are a platform for us to demonstrate the results of our hard work and dedication. I would like to thank all our supporters, fans, and family, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and belief in us – we will play to make Indonesia proud.”

Standing in their way, Papua New Guinea have been giving it its all on the training field. Coming so close in 2022, the team is geared up and ready to take the next step this year.

Dika Lohia, captain of Papua New Guinea said: “I’m grateful and honoured to be the captain of PNG Under 19 Siales. It is a great opportunity for me to lead the side in Indonesia and also a great experience for us young girls to play against the region’s best. Our girls are ready and have been well-prepared by our coaches over the last two months. We are excited and looking forward to the tournament.”

In an exciting show of growth of women’s cricket in the region, both Fiji and Samoa have qualified for the first time and will look to make a big impact on the field. With the strong growth of the women’s game across the Pacific, these promising youngsters from the two nations will take to the field for the very first time.

Mele Tavo Lilian Talei Waqanisau, captain of Fiji said: “I’m grateful to the Lord for the opportunities offered to me through my cricket journey. This is Fiji’s first time at an ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, and I am ready to make my country proud.”

Avetia Fetu Mapu**, captain of Samoa said:** “Participating in the upcoming event has me thrilled about the opportunity to connect with people, showcase what I can do, and learn from others. Success, for me and my team, would be giving our best performance, leaving a positive impact, and perhaps even inspiring others along the way. I’d express gratitude to fans, supporters, and family for their unwavering encouragement and belief in what I do. Their support means everything and fuels my drive to excel.”

In addition to the on-field action, the Qualifier will play host to multiple education programs. The 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme EAP Coaching Stream (the Programme) will run from 12 – 21 May.

With the aim of addressing the low percentage of senior female leaders in cricket, the Programme will pair coaches from Australia and New Zealand with local coaches of each participating team.

The Programme, supported by ICC Master Educator and ICC Hall of Famer, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, provides an exciting opportunity for young female coaches to develop their skills and networks in a high-pressure environment.

Cricket Indonesia will also host ICC Umpire and Coach education courses, developing the local workforce and expanding cricket’s reach across the country.

Rob Gomm, EAP Regional Development Manager remarked: “Seeing four teams qualify for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier shows the progress we are making in women’s cricket in the Region. Direct qualification to a World Cup is a huge prize at the end for one team to take away.

“In addition, the 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme EAP Coaching Stream provides a wonderful opportunity for aspiring female coaches across the Region to learn new skills and make an impact in the development of their players.

“I would like to thank Cricket Indonesia for their efforts in bringing the event together and wish all teams the very best in the Qualifier.”

Match Schedule:

ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier (Indonesia, GMT +8)

UDUYANA CRICKET GROUND (Bali)

Tuesday 14 May

09h30 – Indonesia V Fiji

13h30 – Papua New Guinea V Samoa

Wednesday 15 May

09h30 – Papua New Guinea V Fiji

13h30 – Indonesia V Samoa

Thursday 16 May

09h30 – Indonesia V Papua New Guinea

13h30 – Fiji V Samoa

Friday 17 May

No Matches*

Saturday 18 May

09h30 – Indonesia V Fiji

13h30 – Samoa V Papua New Guinea

Sunday 19 May

09h30 – Indonesia V Samoa

13h30 – Fiji V Papua New Guinea

Monday 20 May

09h30 – Samoa V Fiji

13h30 – Indonesia V Papua New Guinea