Cinderella Story complete as Samoa keep T20 World Cup 2026 dream alive

By Daniel Beswick in Apia

Samoa have kept dreams of T20 World Cup 2026 qualification alive, sending a shockwave through the region by topping East Asia-Pacific Sub-Regional A, thanks to a final-day win over Vanuatu on home soil.

In a competition only decided by the final over in the last match of the double Round-Robin event, it was the hosts at the Garden Ovals in the nation’s capital who prevailed, leading to a storming of fans with flags onto the field.

Celebrations commence as Samoa defeat Vanuatu // ICC

Needing victory in match 12 of the competition to climb past the Cook Islands on Net Run Rate, Samoa faced pre-tournament favourites Vanuatu.

Batting first, a half-century from Sean Cotter and a flurry from cult hero Fereti Sululoto (24) moved things along, with some scurrying running between the wickets from Afapene Ilaoa (12 off six balls) and late Dougy Finau hitting (14* off three balls), pushing the hosts to 145.

Finau didn’t even bother watching his final-ball straight drive clear the rope, with his final-over flash not only galvanising his teammates ready to defend, but fuelling the fan support that grew in voice as the day went on.

Ready to play spoilsport, Vanuatu moved along at the required rate thanks to the work of opener Clement Tommy, though the impact of 16-year-old fast bowler Noah Mead’s 2-21 with the new ball kept Samoa in the hunt.

The Cook Islands squad, who returned to the ground after a morning defeat and needing a favour in the form of a Vanuatu victory, almost found an ally in the form of Bettan Ala Viraliliu, with the Ni-Vanuatu No.6 holding together the innings in a knock of 39 (30).

Viraliliu was claimed by Samoan left-arm spinner Saumani Tiai, who would then be entrusted to bowl the final over with 12 runs to defend.

Skipper Caleb Jasmat, placing himself on the long-off boundary in spite of a suspected broken right thumb, went on to take two six-denying boundary catches in the over, and Tiai, who finished with 4/23, closed out the victory, sparking tournament-winning celebrations.

Reacting to their dramatic qualification, Jasmat was full of pride.

“To be honest it’s still sinking in, the opportunity to represent Samoa and our families is a massive honour. I’m really proud of the boys and their performances over the course of the tournament.

“It’s a massive moment in Samoa’s cricketing history and hopefully it inspires the next generation of cricketers across the South Pacific. The ability for the team to just keep finding a way to win and stay in the fight, full credit to them.”

The hosts at one point thought they’d squandered the chance to claim the tournament the previous day losing to the Cook Islands in match 10, and lamenting missed chances in the defeat.

Come the final day, the Samoans were handed a lifeline by Fiji, who upset the Cook Islands in the morning fixture, opening the door for Samoa to top the table.

Fijian captain Peni Volavola Vuniwaqa proved to be a thorn in the Kukis’ side, promoting himself to the top of the order and making 45 off 28 balls, though Ma’ara Ave’s team pulled the flying Fijian top-order in to hold them to 135.

Three wickets and a run-out from breakout Fijian talent Joeli Moala stifled the Kukis’ chase, with Vuniwaqa returning to take 2/31 in the win to help Fiji to third place at the tournament.

The Samoans now move to a combined Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, a competition with three spots for the global event in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.