The road to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 is heating up as the East Asia-Pacific Division 2 Qualifier gets underway in Samoa.
Starting this Tuesday, the event will see teams from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Vanuatu competing alongside hosts Samoa. The tournament marks a crucial stage in the qualification process, with only one team advancing to the next phase in Japan next year.
Competing Teams and Format
Held at the picturesque Garden Ovals in Apia, the tournament will feature a round-robin format. Each team will play against the others, with the top two teams advancing to Saturday’s final.
The winner of the final will earn a spot in the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier, bringing them one step closer to the prestigious U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup set to take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2026.
The participating teams are all eager to seize this opportunity and advance in the competition. Indonesia, PNG, and Vanuatu, alongside Samoa, have prepared rigorously to secure their place in the next round. The stakes are high, as only the victorious team will join Japan and Fiji in the EAP Qualifier scheduled for April in Japan.
Significance of the Tournament
The tournament represents a significant milestone for these regional teams as they embark on their journey to the global stage. With the Division 2 Qualifiers already completed in Asia and Europe, and ongoing competitions in Africa, the spotlight now turns to Samoa.
This event provides a platform for young cricketers in the region to showcase their skills and gain invaluable international experience.
The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is a launching pad for future cricket stars, making this qualification process crucial for aspiring players. The tournament not only promotes the development of cricket in the East Asia-Pacific region but also fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participating nations.
Match Schedule
All matches are scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM local time (West Samoa Time) at the Garden Ovals in Apia. The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, 6 August
Samoa vs. Vanuatu
Indonesia vs. PNG
Wednesday, 7 August
Samoa vs. Indonesia
PNG vs. Vanuatu
Friday, 9 August
Samoa vs. PNG
Vanuatu vs. Indonesia
Saturday, 10 August
Final (1st vs. 2nd)
Third-place playoff (3rd vs. 4th)
As the competition unfolds, cricket enthusiasts from around the region will be closely watching to see which team emerges victorious and secures their place in the next round of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup qualification. The excitement and anticipation are palpable as these young athletes strive to make their mark on the international cricket scene.
