The East Asia Pacific Qualifier continued to deliver thrilling encounters, as teams battled for pride, placement, and a coveted spot in the final. From playoff clashes to high-stakes semi-finals, the tournament showcased standout individual performances and collective team brilliance.
In the 5th Place Playoff, Samoa Women signed off in style with a commanding 62-run victory over Cook Islands Women, to a clinical all-round performance. In the other playoff fixture, Fiji Women outclassed the Philippines Women by 8 wickets, comfortably chasing down a modest target to secure a morale-boosting finish.
The semi-finals raised the intensity, with Papua New Guinea Women booking their place in the final after a composed 5-wicket win over Indonesia Women. Skipper Brenda Tau’s unbeaten half-century anchored PNG’s chase under pressure. Meanwhile, Vanuatu Women stormed into the final by defeating Japan Women by 22 runs, led by captain Rachel Andrew’s sparkling 72* and disciplined bowling from Rayline Ova.
Match 5th Place Playoff: Samoa Women vs Cook Islands Women
Samoa Women sealed the 5th place spot in style, defeating Cook Islands Women by 62 runs after a commanding all-round performance.
Batting first, Samoa put up a strong total of 174/4. Openers Angel Sootaga (42 off 49) and Carol Agafili (30 off 21) provided the perfect start with a steady yet attacking partnership. Skipper Regina Lili’i led from the front with a fluent 46 off 30, while Fa’aiuga Sisifo (12), Taalili Iosefo (6*), and Avetia Mapu (12*) chipped in to finish the innings on a high. For Cook Islands, Lily Lamb (2/25) was the standout bowler, with Aketa Vailoa and Esther Williams also among the wickets.
Chasing 175, Cook Islands struggled to find momentum. Captain Gabby Sullivan’s 22 was the only contribution from the top order as wickets fell cheaply. While Zamera Ikiua fought hard with a gritty 48, supported briefly by Sonnia Vaia (23), the rest of the batting line-up collapsed in single digits, leaving them well short of the target making just 112/6. Samoa’s bowlers executed their plans brilliantly, with Taalili Iosefo (2/19) and Olive Lefaga (2/19) causing regular breakthroughs, while Tuaoloa Semau (1/17) added to the pressure.
Match 5th Place Playoff: Philippines Women vs Fiji Women
Fiji Women powered their way to a comfortable 8-wicket victory over the Philippines Women, chasing down a modest target with ease.
Batting first, the Philippines struggled against Fiji’s disciplined bowling attack and could only manage 68/9 in their 20 overs. Early damage was done when both openers fell cheaply, Amelia Valdez (0) and Alex Smith (11). Captain Katie Donovan (0) also departed without scoring, and aside from a brief 4-run contribution from Karri Gullem Keen, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled in single digits.
Fiji’s bowlers dominated from the start; Ana Gonerara (3/9) was the pick of the attack, well supported by Serafina Sigaiwasa (2/9), Mele Waqanisau (2/17), and Akosita Levaci (1/6), leaving Philippines with little room to recover.
In response, Fiji chased down the target in 14 overs with 69/2 on the board. Though opener Sulia Vuni (8) fell early, Serafina Sigaiwasa (16) provided stability. The finishing touches came from Mele Waqanisau (21* off 21) and Tabatha Saville (10* off 7), guiding Fiji home with confidence. The only bright spot for the Philippines was Alex Smith’s double strike (2/21).
Match 1st Semi Final: Indonesia Women vs Papua New Guinea Women
Papua New Guinea Women marched into the final with a composed run chase, defeating Indonesia Women by 5 wickets in an exciting semi-final clash.
Batting first, Indonesia posted a competitive 134/3. Their openers set the tone beautifully- Maria Corazon (61 off 47) anchored the innings with a fine half-century, well supported by Desi Wulandari (24 off 37). Later contributions from Ni Kadek Fitria Rada Rani (22 off 12) and skipper Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini (14*) gave Indonesia a solid finish. For PNG, Mairi Tom (1/19) and Pauke Siaka (1/25) kept things steady with the ball.
In reply, PNG chased down the target with confidence, finishing at 136/5. Konio Oala (14) and Naoani Vare (35) laid the early platform before skipper Brenda Tau took charge with a commanding 52* off 43 balls. She found a handy partner in Pauke Siaka, who smashed 29 off 17, ensuring PNG crossed the line with balls to spare. Indonesia’s bowlers kept fighting; Ni Ariani (2/28) provided breakthroughs, while Ni Made Putri Suwandewi (1/18), Ni Wayan Sariani (1/22), and Sang Maypriani (1/25) chipped in, but the PNG captain’s calm knock proved decisive.
Match 2nd Semi Final: Vanuatu Women vs Japan Women
Vanuatu Women stormed into the final with a convincing 22-run victory over Japan Women, powered by a captain’s knock and a disciplined bowling display.
Batting first, Vanuatu posted an imposing 156/1. Skipper Rachel Andrew led from the front with a brilliant unbeaten 72* off 59 balls, holding the innings together. She was well supported by Valenta Langiatu (52 off 41), who provided early momentum. In the closing overs, Selina Solman (26*) added the finishing touches as Vanuatu set a strong total. For Japan, Erika Toguchi-Quinn was the only wicket-taker.
In reply, Japan faltered early with both openers dismissed cheaply, Akari Nishimura (8) and Erika Oda (7). Skipper Mai Yanagida (27) attempted to stabilize the innings, with contributions from Kurumi Ota (12), Ahilya Chandel (10), and Shimako Kato (18). A late fightback from Seika Sumi (25* off 23) gave Japan hope, but they ultimately fell short, finishing at 134/6. Vanuatu’s bowlers executed their plans brilliantly, led by Rayline Ova’s superb 3/18. She was backed up by Vicky Mansale (1/22), Vanessa Vira (1/25), and Nasimana Navaika (1/26), who kept the Japanese batters under constant pressure.
