This week, the race to qualify for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 is heating up. As East Asia-Pacific contenders try to gain safe passage to the next round, which will take them to Zimbabwe and Namibia, all eyes will be on Samoa.
As the competition in Africa continues, and the Division 2 Qualifiers in Asia and Europe have already concluded, Samoa is the latest country scheduled to host an event on the qualification calendar.
On Tuesday, they will play host to Indonesia, PNG, and Vanuatu in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division 2 Qualifier.
The action will take place on two grounds at Garden Ovals, Apia over the week. All of the contending teams will play each other in a round-robin format before the top two teams square off in the final on Saturday.
Teams competing will be vying for a single berth in the following qualification round. The winner in Samoa will advance to the next phase of qualifying, where they will face Japan and Fiji in the EAP Qualifier in April of next year.
“I am thrilled to welcome to Samoa the emerging U19 men’s players from across the East Asia-Pacific region, all aiming to gain a place in Japan on the road to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2026,” stated Toby Cohen, Acting ICC Regional Development Manager, East Asia-Pacific.
“Every squad has been putting in a lot of work in the gym and is prepared to compete at the greatest level. I want to wish the best of luck for the event to Samoa, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Samoa Cricket for organising what will undoubtedly be a fantastic celebration of international cricket in Samoa.
“Host[ing] the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division 2 Qualifier and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Sub Regional Qualifier A is a monumental achievement for Samoa Cricket,” stated Salā Stella Siale-Vaea, CEO of Samoa Cricket.
It demonstrates our capacity to hold international events and offers a fantastic chance to uplift our local athletes, strengthen our economy, and represent Samoa internationally.
“These events will improve Samoan cricket standards, promote community spirit, and help our lovely country gain international recognition.” We take great pride in having the cricketing world visit our shores.
Match Schedule
All matches to start at 9:30am local time (West Samoa Time) at the Garden Ovals, Apia
Tuesday 6 August
Samoa v Vanuatu
Indonesia v PNG
Wednesday 7 August
Samoa v Indonesia
PNG v Vanuatu
Friday 9 August
Samoa v PNG
Vanuatu v Indonesia
Saturday 10 August
Final (1st v 2nd)
Third-place playoff (3rd v 4th)
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