Auckland Cricket have extended a helping hand to Samoa’s U19 Women ahead of their upcoming World Cup campaign in Malaysia.
In Auckland for a week-long training camp, Samoa were provided a training ground, warm up games, and words of encouragement from Auckland ACES Captain and Samoan International, Sean Solia.
Auckland and Samoa have developed a close working relationship over the past few seasons, sharing coaches and the opportunity to train and play with one another.
Auckland-based coach Helen Semau (Papatoetoe Cricket Club) led the team to victory at the ICC East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in May 2024, and will continue as Head Coach for the World Cup.
Samoa will break new ground at the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s World Cup, being the first-ever Samoan side (male or female) to qualify for a World Cup.
Solia, who represented Samoa in 2018, was excited to see his compatriots get their opportunity on the world stage.
“It was great to get down to Melville Park to support the Samoa U19 Women's cricket team as they prepare for their upcoming World Cup,” said Solia.
“Qualifying for the World Cup is a great achievement in itself as they are the first Samoan cricket team to do so,
“Having played for Samoa I've seen how talented some of our cricketers are and want to help support growth for the game wherever I can.”
Sean Solia joins the Samoa U19 side for a team photo - ACA
New Zealand and Samoa are both in Group C of the tournament, which begins on Saturday 18th January (NZT).
Watch the ICC U19 World Cup live and free on ICC.TV, and broadcast live on Sky Sport NZ. Follow the live scoring at nzc.nz or through the NZC app.
