APIA, Samoa – Samoa’s national women’s cricket team is heading to Port Moresby for the inaugural PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational, where they will face tough competition from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Australian Indigenous Women’s Team in a week-long T20 tournament from 15–21 June 2025.
Team captain Tuaoloa Helen Semau of Vailuutai, Falelatai and Iva, Savaii, said the team is ready and proud to represent Samoa.
“We’re not just here to participate — we’re here to compete,” she said. “It’s a privilege to play against strong teams and show the progress we’ve made.”
Samoa’s world ranking slipped from 16th to 45th after COVID-19 disruptions, and this tournament presents a major opportunity for the team to regain momentum and re-establish its presence in international women’s cricket.
Head coach Perelini Mulitalo welcomed the inclusion of five players from Samoa’s U19 Women’s Team: Avetia Mapu, Olive Lefaga Lemoe, Angel Sootaga So, Masina Faimafili Tafea, and Norah Jade Salima.
“These young players bring fearless intent,” said Mulitalo. “We’re building not just for now — but for sustained success.”
Carol Agafili, a recent addition to the squad, is also expected to strengthen Samoa’s lineup with her confident presence.
The PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational is supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, which helps Pacific athletes access elite training and competition. Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, HE Will Robinson, said the Australian Government is proud to support Samoa’s participation.
The event follows earlier support from Cricket Australia, including last year’s visit to Samoa by Australian cricket legend Cathryn Fitzpatrick, who assisted Samoa’s U19 women’s team.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said the tournament will offer both high-performance cricket and cultural connection.
“The Australian Women’s Indigenous squad brings skill and a proud legacy,” he said. “We’re excited to see them compete.”
The tournament also forms part of Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence and will be hosted by Cricket PNG, with support from Cricket Australia.
PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational 2025 – Match Schedule
Venue: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
All times are local
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 15 June | 10:00 AM | PNG vs Australian Indigenous |
| 2:00 PM | Vanuatu vs Samoa | |
| Monday 16 June | 10:00 AM | Australian Indigenous vs Samoa |
| 2:00 PM | Vanuatu vs PNG | |
| Tuesday 17 June | 10:00 AM | PNG vs Samoa |
| 2:00 PM | Vanuatu vs Australian Indigenous | |
| Wednesday 18 June – Rest Day | ||
| Thursday 19 June | 10:00 AM | PNG vs Australian Indigenous |
| 2:00 PM | Vanuatu vs Samoa | |
| Friday 20 June | 10:00 AM | Vanuatu vs PNG |
| 2:00 PM | Australian Indigenous vs Samoa | |
| Saturday 21 June | 10:00 AM | Vanuatu vs Australian Indigenous |
| 2:00 PM | PNG vs Samoa | |
About PacificAus Sports
PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government initiative that supports Pacific athletes, coaches, and officials to access high-performance training and elite competition. It partners with national sports bodies across rugby league, union, netball, football, AFL, cricket, tennis, basketball, and Olympic and Commonwealth sports. The program also works with ABC to promote Pacific sport through shows like That Pacific Sports Show and Fresh Off the Field. For more, visit www.pacificaussports.gov.au.
