Apia, August 21, 2024: The Cook Islands delivered a dominant performance to defeat Vanuatu by 7 wickets in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Region Qualifier A, held at Faleata Oval No 2. Oscar Taylor was the star of the match, taking 5 wickets for just 17 runs to restrict Vanuatu to a modest total.
Match Report:
Vanuatu, opting to bat first, struggled against the disciplined bowling of the Cook Islands and managed to post 125/9 in their 20 overs. Nalin Nipiko top-scored with 38 off 31 balls, but wickets fell regularly around him, with Oscar Taylor wreaking havoc with his 5/17. His efforts were instrumental in keeping Vanuatu under pressure throughout their innings.
In response, the Cook Islands chased down the target with ease, reaching 127/3 in 16.2 overs. Ma’ara Ave led the way with an unbeaten 44 off 32 balls, while Aue Parima and Hayden Dickson contributed valuable runs. Despite some resistance from Vanuatu’s bowlers, the Cook Islands cruised to victory with 22 balls to spare.
Key Performances:
- Oscar Taylor’s Record-Breaking Spell: Taylor’s 5/17 not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also made him the top wicket-taker for the Cook Islands in T20Is, surpassing Tomakanute Ritawa’s record.
- Ma’ara Ave’s Standout Performance: Ave’s 44* and five dismissals behind the stumps set new records for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in an innings and overall for the Cook Islands in T20Is.
Records and Milestones:
- Oscar Taylor: Became the top wicket-taker for the Cook Islands in T20Is with 13 wickets.
- Ma’ara Ave: Set a new record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in an innings (5) and overall (7) for the Cook Islands in T20Is.
- Match Aggregate: The 252 runs scored in this match is the lowest match aggregate involving Cook Islands and Vanuatu in T20Is.
Brief Scores:
Vanuatu: 125/9 in 20 overs (Nalin Nipiko 38, Clement Tommy 27, Oscar Taylor 5/17)
Cook Islands: 127/3 in 16.2 overs (Ma’ara Ave 44*, Thomas Parima 35, Tim Cutler 1/21)
Result: Cook Islands won by 7 wickets (with 22 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Oscar Taylor (5/17)
The Cook Islands’ comprehensive win further cements their position in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Region Qualifier A. Oscar Taylor’s exceptional bowling and Ma’ara Ave’s all-around performance were the highlights of a match that showcased the Cook Islands’ growing strength in T20 cricket.
