Squads and fixtures announced for Under-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier

The next generation of talented Pacific cricketers will be on show in next month’s 2018 ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup – East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 2017 on the stunning island of Samoa.

The capital Apia will play host to some of the best up and coming cricketers from the region when the tournament commences on Tuesday August 8th.

The tournament will be in a double round robin 50 over format. The top team will qualify for the 2018 ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup to be played in New Zealand in January next year.

Fiji will be looking to book their spot in a second successive global tournament after upsetting regional favourites Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the previous qualifier in 2015.

Prior to that, PNG had played in seven ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cups, a record that they will be looking to add to this year in Samoa.

Hosts Samoa will be aiming to improve their overall record, having not yet recorded a win at this level while Vanuatu will be hoping to surpass their previous best of regional runners up with the inclusion of two national men’s team players including captain Wesley Viraliliu.

This is the second hosting opportunity for Samoa in the past 12 months, with their Gardens Ovals being the perfect venue with four grounds in one location, and the government having rebuilt key infrastructure there in 2016.

The tournament will also feature some of the top umpires from the region including PNG’s Alu Kapa, who is also on the ICC’s Development Panel of International Umpires, and crowd favourite Brendan (Billy) Bowden from New Zealand who will be the Mentor Umpire.

Laura Piekarski, Tournament Director, believes that tournaments such as these “are a crucial experience for the next generation of national cricketers in the region.”

“For all teams, our under 19 qualifiers have provided important playing opportunities for young cricketers, with many of those players going on to play in their national teams and global cricket events,” Piekarski concluded.

The tournament will begin on Tuesday August 8th and conclude on Wednesday August 16th. Live scores will be available through https://www.icc-cricket.com/u19-cwc-2018/eap/qualifier-2017.

Squads:

Fiji
Tuwai Yabaki (Captain), Jone Valenikuila (Vice Captain), Jack Charters, Petero Cabebula, Ledua Anitelu, Waisale Vulivakarua, Ledua Gauna, Pauliasi Sovea, Kitione Tayaga, Peni Waqakibau, Lasarusa Veiqaravi, Samuela Nakuna, Jone Yacokilodoni, Rollie Marika
Coach: Josefa Rika

Papua New Guinea
Vagi Karaho (Captain), Semo Igo Kamea, James Junior Tau, Willie Nao, Ovia Lohia Sam, Nou Revu Rarua, Heagi Ronald Toua, Kevau Nou Tau, Igo John Mahuru, Simon Kwalahu Atai, Lui Aiga Kila, Daure William Aiga, Leke Morea, Boge Daniel Arua
Coach: Kila Pala

Samoa
Solofuti Uatisone Falo (Captain), Vaauli Tapu, Uili Sofi, Sootagaoaiga M. Hessed Letiu Tamatoa, Sean John Niutua, Bismarck Sione Leuu, Lester Evile, Sitanisilao Toutai, Josef Sam Pita, Gogo Samiu, Joatel NG Lam, Douglas Lemanu, Alatua Lemanu, Tesimale Milo
Coach: Imran Adi

Vanuatu
Wesley Viraliliu (Captain), Williamsing Nalisa (Vice Captain), Moli Bethan, Vince Lee Carter Vira, Johnna Todah, Tony Tamata, Obed Yosef, Edwell Kalrong Kalfau, Stephane Sandy, Badi Tsione, Junior Paul Kaltapau, Stevano Alex Stephen, Sailas Vakesa, Fernando David Mawa Laumae
Coach: Andrew Mansale

Fixtures:

**Officials:**Brendan (Billy) Bowden (New Zealand)

Shaun Haig (New Zealand)

Alu Kapa (Papua New Guinea)

Mervyn McGoon (Fiji)

Bri Olewale (Papua New Guinea)

Hitesh Sharma (Philippines)