Cooks shock Vanuatu in T20 battle

Cook Islands cricket got their first win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia-Pacific Qualifier on Saturday after beating tournament favourites and host Vanuatu.

Vanuatu entered the match with two wins against Fiji and Samoa – the sides Cook Islands lost to in their opening two matches. After winning the toss, the hosts decided to bat and scored 127 runs for nine in the opening inning.

Cook Islands’ William Kokaua was impressive with his throws claiming three wickets while captain Ma’ara Ave managed two wickets.

In reply the national side led by skipper Ave who top scored with 50 runs and Aue and Thomas Parima who managed 34 and 23 runs respectively, reached the target in 16.2 wickets with five wickets in hand.

Cook Islands will play Samoa at 12.30pm today (Cooks time) before taking on Fiji at 4.30pm on Tuesday. The national team will meet Vanuatu in the final match at 4.30pm on Wednesday. Cook Islands will need to win their remaining matches to advance to the next stage.