Cook Islands Women’s Cricket team returned to Rarotonga yesterday after a successful Bali Bash Kartini T20 International Series in Indonesia.

The team won second place runner up after Indonesia won by 3 wickets on their home ground.

CICA president Grant Walker said that despite the challenging conditions the team showed their true Kuki spirit.

“After a struggle in our innings with a few decisions against us that we had to battle through, we embraced the challenge and relentlessly pressured the hosts.

“The effort and narrow result shows we are a team on the rise..."

“Ranked and professional side on their field but for a few balls and calls beat them. “We achieved all we wanted even more and I am looking forward to the World Cup qualifier this September in Fiji. I think we all know our best is yet to come.”

According to Cook Islands Cricket Association (CICA) the Women’s Team wrapped up their historic Bali Bash campaign with a hard-fought final against hosts Indonesia.

“While the match didn’t go our way on the scoreboard, it was a proud performance from a team that has grown immensely throughout the tournament.”

Cook Islands Innings – 57/9 (20 overs)

Batting first runs were hard to come by. Ashleigh Katoa top-scored with a determined 18 (42), holding the innings together early on. Sonnia Vaia (11) added a gritty knock in the middle, but regular wickets and tight Indonesian bowling made partnerships tough to build.

“Despite the pressure, our vaine dug in and fought for every run.

“Our bowlers came out firing with nothing to lose – and what a fight they put up! The Cooks had the hosts 7 down before the winning runs were scored, pushing the match deeper than many expected.

“We had a very specific bowling plan and our bowlers nailed that plan almost perfectly.”

Captain Gabby Sullivan led from the front with a sharp and fiery spell, but it was the incredible performance from Aketa Vailoa who took 4-8 from her 4 overs.

Aketa had the stumps cartwheeling on a regular basis nailing straight yorker after straight yorker!

Coach Dan Vann said, “We’re incredibly proud of the growth and belief this group has shown over the course of the Bali Bash. From the first ball to the last, these vaine toa gave their all. We came together as a squad, learned about ourselves, played with heart, and put Cook Islands cricket on the international map. This is just the beginning.”

In their other matches, the team booked their way to the finals after defeating Philippines; Cook Islands 125/6 (20 overs) and Philippines all out for 79.

They also defeated Australia Indian Women’s Cricket Association XI; Cook Islands 111/4 (20 overs) - AIWCA XI 76 all out (19 overs).

They secured a comprehensive 35-run win over the Australia Indian Women’s Cricket Association XI.

Players of the match were awarded to Aketa Vailoa and Esther Williams.

CICA has acknowledged their families, especially those that travelled with them to support the team, their sponsors Maritime Cook Islands, 21 South Group, and CST Accounting and Garry Wood in New Zealand and Sacred Heart College and Mo Hosea for his work with their travel arrangements.

“Indonesia Cricket were gracious hosts and the tour was fantastic.”