Qualification for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 rumbles on this week with the attention turning to Samoa as East Asia-Pacific hopefuls look to secure safe passage through to the next phase on the road to Zimbabwe and Namibia.
With Division 2 Qualifiers having concluded already in Asia, and more recently in Europe, and with the ongoing competition in Africa, Samoa are the latest nation set to host an event on the qualification calendar, where they will welcome Indonesia, PNG and Vanuatu for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division 2 Qualifier from Tuesday.
Two grounds at Garden Ovals, Apia will host the action during the week, comprising a round robin set of fixtures between all the competing teams before the top two will battle it out in Saturday’s final.
At stake for teams will be a solitary spot in the next round of qualification, where the winning side in Samoa will move a step closer to a World Cup spot, and join Japan and Fiji in next year’s EAP Qualifier, scheduled for Japan in April.
Toby Cohen, Acting ICC Regional Development Manager, East Asia-Pacific said: “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.
“Each team has been training hard and is ready to give it their all to compete at the highest level. I would like to wish Samoa, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu all the very best for the event, and extend my sincere thanks to Samoa Cricket for hosting what will no doubt be an incredible celebration of international cricket in Samoa.”
Salā Stella Siale-Vaea, CEO Samoa Cricket added: “Hosting 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.
“It showcases our capability to host international competitions and provides an incredible opportunity to inspire our local athletes, boost our economy, and promote Samoa on the global stage.
“These events will elevate the standard of cricket in Samoa, foster community spirit, and bring international recognition to our beautiful nation. We are proud to welcome the cricketing world to 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)
Engine Eye
Rugby balls were first made from pig’s bladders – Rugby ball’s distinctive plum shape makes them aerodynamic, easy to hold, and easy to pass over distances. To encapsulate those qualities, original rugby balls were made from inflated pigs bladders, stitched tightly to trap the air. Gross but very true!
Switch
Cricket became an Olympic sport in 1896. However, no matches were held because there was an insufficient number of teams who attended. Had the sport been played that year, cricket would have earned the distinction of being the only team sport to be played at the time. The first Olympic match in the next Olympics (1900) was participated in by the men’s teams. Great Britain (represented by the Devon and Somerset Wanderers) won gold.