Vanuatu Cricket Team Guide
The Vanuatu cricket team represents Vanuatu in international cricket. Organised by the Vanuatu Cricket Association, the team became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1995 and was promoted to associate status in 2009. The team made its international debut at the 1979 Pacific Games.
History of Vanuatu Cricket Team
Vanuatu made its international debut at the 1979 Pacific Games when the country was still known as the New Hebrides. They entered the World Cricket League in 2008 and have participated in various ICC tournaments since then. In 2009, Vanuatu defeated the Fiji cricket team in two One-Day Series and won the 2009 ICC EAP Men’s Cricket Trophy held in Samoa. They also have a history of competing in junior-level tournaments.
Where Does The Vanuatu Cricket Team Play?
The Vanuatu cricket team play at the Vanuatu Cricket Ground in Port Vila. This ground has been the host of the 2022-23 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier tournament in September 2022 and the 2022 Women’s T20I Pacific Cup in October 2022 in the past.
Former Captains Of The Vanuatu Cricket Team
Andrew Mansale is a renowned cricket player and former captain for the Vanuatu cricket team. Known for his right-handed batting style and right-arm off break bowling technique, Mansale has made significant contributions to the sport. He also shares a familial connection to the cricket world, being a cousin to PK Matautaava. Apart from his prowess on the field, Mansale has taken on the role of a coach, showcasing his dedication and passion for cricket.
Top Run Scorers In Vanuatu Cricket Team History
There have been a number of notable players to have taken to the crease for the Vanuatu cricket team, with some of these including Andrew Mansale, Nalin Nipiko and Patrick Kaltaneaki Matautaava. These were amongst the first players to record over 2000 runs for the country as well as being some of the first to record a century in a match.
Top Wicket Takers In Vanuatu Cricket Team History
Patrick Matautaava, hailing from Vanuatu, has established himself as a formidable cricket player, particularly in the bowling department. His performance in various formats of the game showcases his versatility and skill, with him being one of the first to record over 100 wickets for the Vanuatu cricket team alongside Natin Nipiko.
Memorable Games For The Vanuatu Cricket Team
On 22 March 2019, the cricketing world witnessed a significant event as the Vanuatu cricket team made its debut in the Twenty20 International arena. The match took place at the renowned Amini Park in Port Moresby, during the 2018–19 ICC T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier. Their opponents for this historic game were none other than the Papua New Guinea cricket team, a side with a stronger cricketing pedigree in the region.
Vanuatu, after winning the toss, chose to set the pace by batting first. They managed to put up a respectable total of 124 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The highlight of their innings was a commendable performance by Nalin Nipiko, who scored 53 runs off 55 balls, showcasing his talent on this grand stage. On the bowling front for Papua New Guinea, Lega Siaka emerged as the most successful bowler, claiming 2 wickets for just 7 runs in his 2-over spell.
In response, Papua New Guinea displayed a dominant batting performance. They chased down the target with ease, scoring 125 runs with the loss of only 2 wickets in just 15.2 overs. Tony Ura, from Papua New Guinea, was the star of the show, scoring a brisk 65 runs off 37 balls. His outstanding batting performance not only led his team to victory but also earned him the “Player of the Match” award. For the Vanuatu cricket team, Williamsing Nalisa was the notable bowler, taking 1 wicket for 29 runs in his 4-over spell.
Though Vanuatu couldn’t secure a win in their debut match, the significance of the occasion was not lost on the players or their supporters. It marked Vanuatu’s entry into the world of Twenty20 Internationals, a format of the game that has gained immense popularity worldwide. This match laid the foundation for Vanuatu’s journey in international cricket, promising exciting times ahead for the team and its fans.
Rivals Of The Vanuatu Cricket Team
Although they aren’t exactly rivals, the Vanuatu cricket team have played a number of highly competitive matches against the Malaysia cricket team and the Philippines cricket team in their history, especially in the T20I format.
