ROAD TO ICC U19 MEN'S CRICKET WORLD CUP CONTINUES IN VANUATU 

• Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and hosts Vanuatu competing in Port Vila from 8-12 September 

• Tournament winner to advance to the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup EAP Division 1 Qualifier 

• Experienced match officials team led by Shayne O'Connor, featuring Claire Polosak and Cory Black 

• Fans can follow every match live via scoring via ICC website

Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and hosts Vanuatu have arrived in Port Vila for the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division 2 Qualifier, to be played at the Vanuatu Cricket Grounds from 8-12 September. 

Each team will play the other three sides during the round-robin stage before the tournament concludes on 12 September with a Final between the top two teams and a play-off between the teams finishing third and fourth. The winner of the Final will advance to the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division 1 Qualifier. 

While qualification remains the primary objective, the tournament also provides an important development opportunity for the region's emerging cricketers, with many of the athletes set to gain their first experience of an ICC pathway event. 

For many of the players competing in Port Vila, the qualifier presents an opportunity to test themselves against the best young talent from across the region and continue their development on the international pathway.   

The tournament will be overseen by an experienced team of match officials appointed by the ICC. 

Former New Zealand Test fast bowler Shayne O'Connor will lead the match officials' panel. Two members of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires, Claire Polosak (Australia) and Cory Black (New Zealand), will be joined by regional officials Helen Atai (Papua New Guinea), Kalala Tanuvasa (Samoa), Meriel Kenni (Vanuatu) and Mac Millan Markia (Vanuatu) for the on-field duties.   

Indonesia continues to make significant progress in cricket development and will be eager to turn that growth into success on the field. 

Indonesia captain Pican Mada said: “We are very excited to be here in Vanuatu and to have the opportunity to represent Indonesia on the ICC pathway.  

“For many of our players, this is an important step in their development, and we want to compete with confidence, learn from every match and show the progress cricket is making in Indonesia.” 

Papua New Guinea arrives in Port Vila looking to continue its strong tradition of youth cricket and take another step along the World Cup pathway. 

PNG captain Vagi Morea said: “Papua New Guinea has a proud tradition of cricket and it is a privilege for us to represent our country at this tournament.  

“We know the competition will be strong, but we have prepared well and our focus is on playing positive cricket, supporting each other and giving ourselves the best possible opportunity to progress to the next stage.” 

Samoa enters the tournament aiming to showcase its emerging talent and create another milestone in the growth of cricket within the nation. 

Samoa captain Joshua McNaughton said: “This tournament is a great opportunity for our young players to test themselves against quality opposition and represent Samoa with pride.  

“We want to play an exciting brand of cricket, keep improving throughout the tournament and hopefully inspire more young people back home to take up the game.” 

Playing on home soil, Vanuatu will be hoping local support can help drive their qualification ambitions. 

Vanuatu captain Surya Lekai said: “It is very special for us to play an ICC tournament at home and represent Vanuatu in front of our families, friends and supporters.  

“We are proud to have this opportunity and will be looking to use the home support, play with confidence and compete strongly for a place in the next stage of qualification.” 

Fans around the world can follow every match through live scoring on the ICC website at www.icc-cricket.com. 

Fixtures 

Tuesday, 8 Sep: 

Vanuatu v Indonesia,  

PNG vs Samoa  

Wednesday, 9 Sep: 

Vanuatu vs Samoa 

Indonesia and PNG 

Friday, 11 Sep: 

Vanuatu vs PNG.  

Samoa vs Indonesia 

Saturday, 12 Sep: x

3rd vs 4th 
1st vs 2nd