The Cook Islands will host the tournament, which will feature some of the top up-and-coming world talent in the likes of New Zealand and Australia.

Training began in earnest last Saturday, with the team run by coach and cricket chief executive Davis Teinaki and assistant coach Shane Phillips.

Making up the team are 17 players - four from Aitutaki, 10 from Tupapa and Pukapuka and three from Turangi. Four are expected to join from Mangaia next week.

The tournament will begin on January 18, so in addition to Saturday’s match, the team will be training at least twice a week.

Though they go into Saturday’s game as underdogs on paper, the players are confident they can win, especially after their five-day coaching session with New Zealand coach Pat Malcon.

Malcon, who has been involved with Cook Islands cricket for some time, was impressed by the young players skills and desire to learn, and will be return to Rarotonga next month.

The match will begin at midday in Turangi.

            - Release