Cook Islands surprise Vanuatu thanks to New Zealand cricket boost

Cook Islands sprang a surprise when they defeated higher-ranked Vanuatu by nine wickets in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier A being played in Apia, the capital of Samoa.

Vanuatu, who played 35 T20Is, are ranked 46 in the ICC Men’s T20I Team rankings whereas Cook Islands, who have played just seven, don’t find themselves anywhere in the ICC rankings.

Cook Islands’ resounding victory on August 17 was scripted by New Zealand import, Hayden Dickson, who made 112 not out off 57 balls (10x4s, 7x6s).

Dickson is one of the several New Zealand players who have moved to play in Cook Islands colours.

Skipper Mea Tangi Me Ma'ara Joshua Ave is another player from New Zealand heritage along with Liam Denny, Cory Dickson, and Milton Kavana.

Their inclusion has bolstered the Cook Islands side that played their first T20I only two years ago, in September, 2022.

“Cook Islands big favourites to win through to the combined Asia-EAP final now. Vanuatu traditionally second only to PNG in the Pacific region, but Cook Islands heavily reinforced by players with NZ experience, not least Dickson himself,” wrote cricket writer Bertus de Jong on platform X (formerly Twitter).

The ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier A is a four-team tournament. Besides Vanuatu and Cook Islands, Samoa and Fiji are the other teams.

The winner of the tournament will progress to an Asia/East Asia-Pacific hybrid Qualifier in the last step to the 2026 tournament, joining Papua New Guinea and the winner of the ‘B’ Sub-Regional Qualifier in South Korea.

Cricket, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, East Pacific, T20 World Cup