Pacific sets the tone and makes early moves in cricket's T20 World Cup qualifier in Japan

Fiji and Vanuatu opened proceedings in a match that summed up the spirit of the Pacific in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Japan this weekend.

But it was the ni-Vanuatu who proved too strong for the Fijians, winning by 121 runs. Fiji were bowled out for 48 chasing 169 runs.

The tournament started on Friday and ends on 18 May.

Both Fiji and Vanuatu showed energy, discipline and pride, with Fiji edging key moments in a contest that set the tone for the rest of the day.

Fiji started strongly with the ball, keeping Vanuatu under pressure in the early overs.

Vanuatu, however, found ways to stay in the game through steady partnerships and sharp running between the wickets.

Fiji and Vanuatu go head-to-head in a tight opening clash at the EAP Qualifier in Japan. Photo/ICC

It was a match built on small margins, with neither side giving much away.

While Fiji and Vanuatu went toe-to-toe, the wider competition across the region continued to show how much cricket is growing in the Pacific.

Papua New Guinea delivered another confident performance against South Korea, using their experience to control the game.

Sāmoa and Indonesia battle hard as Pacific cricket shows its growing strength.

Their bowlers kept things tight early, before their batting line-up built a steady chase that never really looked in trouble.

In another fixture, Vanuatu backed up their effort against Fiji with a second solid showing against Japan, who worked hard to build pressure in the field.

Vanuatu’s batting depth helped them stay competitive and push through key phases of the game but could not overcome Japan, who won by 30 runs.

Sāmoa also had their moments against Indonesia in a match that highlighted how close the emerging teams are becoming.

The Sāmoans won by nine wickets, chasing 93 runs with ease and restricting their opponents to 92/8.

Indonesia showed improvement with the bat, finding better rhythm in their innings while Sāmoa responded with patience and smart bowling changes to stay in control when it mattered most.

Close contests and rising talent highlight a big day of action across the ICC EAP Qualifier.

The Cook Islands and South Korea also added to a full day of action with both sides showing clear progress in their game.

The Pacific Islanders won by nine wickets, bowling the Koreans out for 47.

The Cook Islands looked organised with the ball while South Korea continued to gain valuable experience at this level, especially in building partnerships under pressure.

Taken together, the results reflect a tournament that is becoming more competitive with each passing fixture.

Fiji’s opening clash with Vanuatu showed the intensity at the top end while the other matches underlined how quickly the standard is rising across the region.

For many of these sides, every match in this stage of the qualifier is about more than just results. It is about building confidence, testing skills against different styles, and taking steps towards the bigger goal of reaching the biggest stage in global cricket.

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier continues, the Pacific nations are once again showing their passion for the game with close contests, emerging talent, and plenty still to play for.

The journey is far from over, and if this round of matches is anything to go by, there will be more tight finishes and strong performances ahead from across the region.

Upcoming fixtures include Sāmoa taking on the Philippines today (Sunday), Japan vs Fiji and PNG facing the Cook Islands later in the day.

After the group stage ends on Sunday 10 May, the tournament moves into the Super Six stage starting on Tuesday 12 May. The top teams from the Super Six will move closer to qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup pathway.

For more on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific qualifier, click here.