The Cook Islands remain the front runners to qualify for the Asia/EAP final that forms part of qualifying for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup after another win in the first EAP sub-regional event today in Samoa.

Captain Ma'ara Ave won the toss and asked the home side to bat first in the first of today's two matches. The Samoan captain Caleb Jasmat top scored with an unbeaten 42 but they were bowled out for 104. The visitors used eight bowlers, six of whom took wickets. The pick of the bunch was Oscar Taylor with 3-36.

The Cook Islands lost three wickets in reply, but were otherwise untroubled. Brothers Hayden and Cory Dickson both scored 30, with the latter sharing in an unbroken 58 run stand for the fourth wicket with Aue Parima who contributed 25.

In the second game of the day, Vanuatu were put into bat by Fiji and scored 157-4 from their 20 overs. Andrew Mansale top scored, hitting 82 from 50 balls. Junior Kaltapau also contributed with 31 not out from 32 balls. Williamsing Nalisa then took 6-16 - the best figures for Vanuatu in men's T20Is - as Fiji were kept to 121-9, losing by 36 runs.


Williamsing Nalisa took 6-16 (Vanuatu Cricket Association)

The tournament continues tomorrow with Samoa playing Vanuatu in the first game and the Cook Islands taking on Fiji in the afternoon game.