Squads Named For Women's ICC EAP T20 Championship

The ICC East-Asia Pacific office has announced the squads for the upcoming Pepsi ICC East Asia-Pacific Women’s Championship in Vanuatu from 14-18 May.

This tournament is the largest women’s cricket event ever held in the East Asia-Pacific Region with six teams taking part including 2010 winners Japan, PNG, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands and the hosts Vanuatu.

"This promises to be a really exciting event for the region,” said ICC East Asia-Pacific Regional Development Manager Kieran McMillan.

"I expect a close contest with several teams a chance to progress to the next stage of World T20 qualification."

The winner of this tournament will qualify for a global event to be held in 2013 that will be the last stage of qualification for the 2014 Women's World T20 event in Bangladesh.

In a huge boost for the tournament current New Zealand White Ferns player Sara McGlashan will be in Vanuatu for the duration of the tournament to provide competing teams with an insight into playing cricket on the world stage.

Currently the Women’s National Development Officer for New Zealand Cricket, McGlashan is an explosive middle order batsman has who has been part of the White Ferns since 2002.

She plans to set aside time to work with each of the teams and offer advice to some of the best up-and-coming players in the region.

McMillan says having someone of McGlashan's standing in world cricket at this event demonstrates the commitment the East Asia-Pacific region is placing on women’s cricket.

"Our region has a real opportunity over the next few years to make a global impact via the women’s game," said McMillan.

"Sara is a high quality international cricketer and with her experience and expertise she will have a very positive influence on players and coaches at this event."

The tournament begins in Port Vila on Monday 14th of May with the final played on Friday the 18th of May. Live scoring will be available via www.icceap.com with regular updates also available via Twitter

Squads

Japan

Ema Kuribayashi (captain), Miho Asama, Miho Kanno, Atsuko Kitamura, Shizuka Kubota, Shizuka Miyaji, Ayako Nakayama, Kurumi Ota, Yuko Saito, Chihiro Sakamoto, Eri Yamaguchi, Mariko Yamamoto, Mai Yanagida, Yuka Yoshida
Chris Ferguson (Coach), Zoe George (Team Manager)

PNG

Ura Rigana (captain), Eva Bakoles, Pauke Siaka, Ravini Oa, Norma Ovasuru, Kari Rova Ravu, Varoi Morea,  Lilly Ofae, Tanya Ruma, Kila Leka, Geua Boe, Mebo Ipi, Boni David, Kaia Arua,
Peter Moide (Coach), Margaret Moide (Team Manager), Lakani Oala (Assistant Coach)

Fiji

Alicia Dean (captain), Sera Kaukiono, Lanieta Benuci, Semaema Raramasi, Luanne Rika, Marica Vua, Silipa Raratabu, Anamaria Naimasi,  Luisa Tawatatau, Makelesi Mada, Marica Ratuki, Anaseini Maidela, Diana Gadekilakeba, Mereia Tilau
Josefa Rika (Coach), Mohammed Ali Maqbool (Team Manager)

Samoa

Perelini Mulitalo (captain), Regina Lili'i, Matile Uliao, Fou Charteris, Malia Iosefo, Georgina Andersen, Hana Maufua, Letelesa Autagavaia, Lelia Bourne, Pativia Solomua, Lily Mulivai, Fale Niufafo, Maddy Chapman, Nathalie Tuilagi
Maia Lewis (Coach), George Aumua (Team Manager)

Cook Islands

Marion Heather, Teinakore Tamaiva, June Makea George, Tekura Kaukura, Teremoana Nooroia Aue,  Tina Turua, Amelia Moetaua, Makiroa Mato, Grace Ngaru, Maui Daniel, Marii Kaukura, Shardae Neale, Maire Kamoe, Maine Daniel
Glenn Miller (Coach), Lacynthia Rani (Team Manager)

Vanuatu
Alvina Chilia (captain), Nelly Mausavakalo, Becky Mete, Mahina Tarimala, Marceline Mete, Flora Nabanga, Judy Avock, Rayline Matautaava, Sheila Simelum, Leimauri Chilia, Stella Sokomanu, Lia Langiatu, Serah Mansale, Edna Mansale
Andrew Mansale (Coach), Lily Ala (Team Manager)