Cook Islands are closing in on a place in the combined Asia/East Asia Pacific final qualifier for the next men's T20 World Cup after beating hosts Samoa today at the first EAP sub-regional event.

The first match of the day though was between the already eliminated Vanuatu and Fiji. Batting first, Vanuatu recovered from 34-4 to post 168-6 from their 20 overs, skipper Josh Rasu top scoring with 43. Fiji took until the penultimate delivery of the match to chase down their target to win by five wickets. Apete Sokovagone top scored with 46 with contributions also coming from Peni Dakainivanua (39 not out) and Peni Vuniwaqa (38).

Josh Rasu top scored with 43 for Vanuatu (Vanuatu Cricket)

Samoa batted first in the second game of the day, scoring 169-4. Darren Roache top scored with 55 before becoming one of three wickets for Oscar Taylor. Thomas Parima dominated the Cook Islands run chase with 104 from 52 balls as they chased down their target with 3.1 overs to spare, winning by eight wickets.

This means that the Cook Islands can secure their place in the regional final should they beat Fiji in the morning match tomorrow. Should they lose, Samoa can secure their place with a win over Vanuatu big enough to keep their net run rate above that of the Cook Islands.