Cook Island Women’s Cricket team at the Bali Bash T20 Tournament features a dynamic mix of new faces and returning players, all hungry to compete and grow on the international stage, says Cricket Cook Islands.

Led by head coach Dan Vann, the team includes Gabby Sullivan from the Canterbury Magicians, who made her debut as captain after a tough opener with the Indonesian side earlier this week at the Kartini T20 International Series.

CICA says it was a tough opening match against Indonesia for the Cook Islands Women’s Cricket Team as they went down to a very disciplined and well-drilled Indonesian side in challenging conditions – “a heavy, slow outfield made it hard to get value for shots, but our ladies fought hard to the very end.”

Indonesia women won by 8 wickets (with 61 balls remaining- 66/2, Cook Islands 65/8.

“Plenty of positives to build on and lessons to take forward, with glimpses of the exciting potential this team holds. We’re proud of our debutants and the way the squad stuck together under pressure.”

The debutants include Ashleigh Katoa (Melbourne, AUS), Clara Cummings (Rarotonga, COK), Aketa Vailoa (Rarotonga, COK), Roma Bowers-Fleming and Lily Lamb.

Yesterday, the team announced that they were ready to bounce back in Game 2 of the Bali Bash as they took on the Australia Indian Women’s Cricket Association.

“After a spirited effort in tough conditions against Indonesia, our Cook Islands Women’s team is hungry to build momentum and show what we’re made of”

The team was to face Australian Indian Women's Cricket Association XI last night.

CICA says: “With official T20I status on the line (excluding matches vs AUS), this is an incredible opportunity for our squad to gain valuable international experience, strengthen our team culture, and showcase the rising talent within Cook Islands cricket.

The women’s team faces the Philippines next.

The team: Gabby Sullivan (C), Ashleigh Katoa, Zamera Ikiua, Tetiara Mataora (VC), Raupa Vila, Esther Williams, Clara Cummins, Aketa Vailoa, Rachel Auora, Sofia Samuels and Sonnia Vaia.

Substitutions: Lily Lamb, Roma Bowers- Fleming and Taiora Elikana.