ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier Kicks Off
The journey to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 commences this week, with Indonesia welcoming teams from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa. With a direct ticket to the World Cup’s second edition at stake, each team is eager to represent their country with honour and pride.
Indonesia, hosting the event for the second consecutive time, is eager to replicate their thrilling victory from 2022. Their narrow triumph over Papua New Guinea in the last ball of the previous event propelled them to their maiden ICC World Cup, a feat they are keen to repeat.
Lie Qiao, Indonesia’s Captain, Expresses Her Thoughts
Lie Qiao, the Indonesian captain, emphasised the significance of the tournament, stating, “This tournament is not just about the competition; it’s the culmination of months of rigorous training and preparation. We aim to showcase the fruits of our hard work and dedication. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, fans, and family for their unwavering support and belief in us – we will strive to make Indonesia proud.”
However, Papua New Guinea, having come close in 2022, is all set and ready to take the next step this year.
Papua New Guinea’s Captain, Dika Lohia, Shares Her Views
Dika Lohia, the PNG Under 19 Siales captain, expressed her gratitude and excitement, stating, “I’m honoured to lead the side in Indonesia. It’s 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 a testament to the growth of women’s cricket in the region, both Fiji and Samoa have qualified for the first time and are eager to make a significant impact on the field.
Fiji’s Captain, Mele Tavo Lilian Talei Waqanisau, and Samoa’s Captain, Avetia Fetu Mapu, Speak Out
Mele Tavo Lilian Talei Waqanisau, Fiji’s captain, expressed her gratitude and readiness, stating, “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, Samoa’s captain, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event and gratitude to her supporters, stating, “Participating in the upcoming event has me thrilled about the opportunity to connect with people, showcase what I can do, and learn from others. Their support means everything and fuels my drive to excel.”
Besides the on-field action, the Qualifier will also host multiple education programs, including the 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme EAP Coaching Stream, which will run from 12 – 21 May.
The Programme, supported by ICC Master Educator and ICC Hall of Famer, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, aims to address the low percentage of senior female leaders in cricket by pairing coaches from Australia and New Zealand with local coaches of each participating team.
Cricket Indonesia will also host ICC Umpire and Coach education courses, thereby developing the local workforce and expanding cricket’s reach across the country.
Rob Gomm, EAP Regional Development Manager, Comments on the Event
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.”
He further added, “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:
The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier will take place in Indonesia (GMT +8).
UDUYANA CRICKET GROUND (Bali)
The matches will be held from Tuesday, 14 May to Monday, 20 May, with a break on Friday, 17 May. The matches will be live-streamed on the Cricket Indonesia YouTube Channel.