By Victoria Hamilton 
A landmark moment for EAP cricket
The East-Asia Pacific (EAP) region is preparing for one of its most historic cricketing weeks as Fiji hosts the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier from 9–15 September at Albert Park, Suva. This is the largest women’s cricket tournament ever staged in the region, with eight nations competing for one golden ticket to the Global Qualifier in Nepal next January.
The tournament promises to be a festival of cricket for the Pacific, showcasing both established teams and emerging nations striving to leave their mark on the world stage.
Eight nations, one dream
The eight participating sides are divided into two groups:
- Group A: Japan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa
- Group B: Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu
The competition opens with Fiji vs Cook Islands and Japan vs Papua New Guinea on day one, while the final on 15 September will decide which team advances to the Global Qualifier.
For the Philippines Women, this will be a historic debut at an ICC event, marking a proud milestone for the nation.
Vanuatu aiming for repeat success
One of the more seasoned teams in the region, Vanuatu, arrives with momentum and experience. They reached the Global Qualifier in 2024, famously defeating Zimbabwe to script one of the most memorable moments in their cricketing history.
Captain Rachel Andrew expressed her team’s determination ahead of the tournament:
“The Vanuatu team is buzzing with excitement. We’ve got a good mix of experience and young talent, and our goal is to replicate and build on our previous success.”
Their belief and fighting spirit make them a side to watch closely this week.
Hosts Fiji eye inspiration at home
For the hosts Fiji, the chance to play such a prestigious tournament on home soil is a moment of immense pride. With matches scheduled at two grounds in Albert Park, the Fijian players will hope to draw inspiration from their home crowd to push for a breakthrough campaign.
Road to Nepal 2026
The stakes could not be higher. Only one team from this event will join the global qualifying lineup in Nepal, January 2026, where the final push for a spot at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will take place.
With the women’s game growing rapidly in the Pacific, this week in Suva represents not just a qualifier, but a celebration of how far the region has come.
Himadullah Sohoo