By Victoria Hamilton 
A Historic Day for Vanuatu Cricket
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East-Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier in Fiji produced a milestone moment for Vanuatu captain Rachel Andrew, who created history with a performance for the ages. She not only anchored her side’s batting with an unbeaten 85 runs but also claimed a hat-trick with the ball, inspiring her team to a nail-biting seven-run victory over Indonesia.
Her feat places her among an elite group in international cricket, as she became just the second player in Women’s T20I history to score a fifty and take a hat-trick in the same match. Remarkably, the first cricketer to achieve this unique double was also from Vanuatu — her teammate Selina Solman earlier this year against France.
Andrew’s All-Round Masterclass
Opening with the bat, Andrew displayed composure and aggression in equal measure. Her 85 not out from 63 balls included well-timed boundaries and precise rotation of strike, lifting Vanuatu to a competitive 131-run total.
Her brilliance, however, did not end with the bat. When Indonesia looked steady in their chase, she struck decisively with the ball, weaving magic across her spell. In a breathtaking burst, she scalped three wickets in successive deliveries — a hat-trick that dismantled Indonesia’s momentum and shifted the match firmly in Vanuatu’s favour.
Andrew’s spell ended with 3 for 10, figures that underline her dominance with the ball.
Indonesia’s Brave Effort
Chasing 132, Indonesia began brightly, led by an opening stand of 55 runs between Maria Corazon and Desi Wulandari. For a while, it looked as though the underdogs might pull off a memorable win.
But Vanuatu’s bowlers, spearheaded by Andrew and supported by Nasimana Navaika (3/27), ensured that the middle and lower order collapsed under pressure. Indonesia eventually fell short by seven runs, ending their chase at 124/8.
Vanuatu’s Rising Reputation
The result sees Vanuatu climb to second in Group B after the opening round of fixtures, with hosts Fiji currently topping the table. For Vanuatu, the performance is another reminder of their growing reputation in women’s cricket.
Rachel Andrew’s milestone will be remembered not only as a personal triumph but also as a shining example of how far Pacific Island cricket has come on the international stage.
Anas Ahmed