Samoa U19 Boys Make History at ICC U19 World Cup Qualifier

The Samoa Under-19 Men’s team has made history at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier – EAP Region, reaching the final for the first time in Samoa’s history.

Competing against some of the strongest Under-19 teams in the region, Samoa began their campaign against a powerful Papua New Guinea side. Despite falling short in their opening match, the experience proved valuable as the young Samoan side grew in confidence throughout the tournament.

Samoa bounced back in impressive fashion, recording convincing victories over Indonesia and the host nation, Vanuatu. Those results secured Samoa a place in the final and gave the team the opportunity to face PNG once again.

In the final, PNG won the toss and elected to bat first. Samoa produced a superb bowling and fielding performance to dismiss PNG for 211, led by an outstanding spell from Arthur Gabriel, who claimed 6/38 from his 10 overs.

PNG’s strong bowling attack then proved too much for the inexperienced Samoan batting line-up, with Samoa bowled out for 67. Cohen Faitaua top-scored with a determined 28, providing a fighting highlight in difficult conditions.

Despite the result, reaching the final represents a remarkable achievement for Samoa cricket and a significant milestone for the country’s Under-19 programme.

Coach Chris Coombe said the tournament demonstrated just how much the young players can achieve when they combine hard work, self-belief and support for one another.

“It’s been an unbelievable achievement by these boys. The work they’ve put in over the past few months has shown just how much they can grow and achieve with hard work. With a bit of self-belief and, importantly, teammates backing each other, it was great to see how they continued to get better every time they crossed the line.

“But what makes me most proud is the spirit in which these boys represented Samoa and played the game of cricket. I genuinely believe there is something the whole world can learn from that.

“The way this group bonded throughout the week, not only with their teammates but also with the opposition, was probably the biggest highlight for me. They’ve made lifelong friends with young cricketers from across the Pacific — friendships and experiences they may never have had the opportunity to make without cricket, and without the work they’ve put in to earn their place at this tournament.

“That’s what sport is all about. These boys should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved, both on and off the field.”

For a young group representing a developing cricket nation, Samoa’s run to the final is more than a tournament result. It is a glimpse of what the future could hold for Samoan cricket — and a significant step forward in the development of the next generation of players.