Samoa Storms into U19 Women’s T20 World Cup for Second Time
1 min read
Port Moresby witnessed Samoa’s relentless charge to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, as Olive Lefaga Lemo’s squad swept the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier unbeaten. Their final conquest of Fiji confirmed the ticket, extending their historic run from 2024.
Avetia Mapu’s 67-run knock, laced with five fours and two sixes off 62 balls, propelled Samoa to 131. Fiji faltered spectacularly, all out for 72 against Waola Gabriel’s mesmerizing 4/19 and Hardia Padda’s 2/9.
The tournament unfolded with flair: Vanuatu fell by 58 runs, Indonesia by 53. Samoa’s lone batting wobble came versus PNG (58 all out), but Padda’s 4/9 and Gabriel’s 4/7 limited them to 48 for a gritty win.
As the Pacific’s trailblazers—first to qualify regionally for consecutive World Cups—Samoa eyes glory in 2026 after a promising debut. The Asia region wraps up its qualifier this month, completing the field for what promises to be a thrilling event.
