Cook Islands cricket has steadily been developing in the East Asia Pacific region, with passion and determination propelling them into major qualifying tournaments. The 2025 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier is a crucial chance for the Cook Islands women to showcase their growth on an international stage. While still relatively new at this level, this squad brings energy, youthful potential, and valuable experience, aiming to make a strong statement against regional heavyweights.
With the tournament conditions in Vanuatu offering slow pitches that suit spinners and patient batters, Cook Islands will rely on their balance of all-rounders and young cricketers to make an impact. Check this out for a rundown of each player and what she brings to the campaign.
Cook Islands Women’s 2025 T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier Squad
| S.No | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patricia Malua | Captain, Batter |
| 2 | Tereapii Rongo | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 3 | Tangata Toko | Batter |
| 4 | Papaarangi Ford | Batter |
| 5 | Mareta Tua | All-rounder (Bat + Medium Pace) |
| 6 | Stephanie Rua | All-rounder (Bat + Off-spin) |
| 7 | Ngatokorua Tare | All-rounder (Spin) |
| 8 | Moeroa Tairi | Bowler (Medium-Fast) |
| 9 | Teokotai Vaine | Bowler (Medium-Fast) |
| 10 | Mereana Tamuera | Bowler (Slow Left-arm Orthodox) |
| 11 | Ruta Tangaroa | All-rounder (Bat + Spin) |
| 12 | Kareta Tuakana | Batter |
| 13 | Teokotai Matapo | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 14 | Mere Ford | Bowler (Right-arm Fast) |
Key Players Roles
Patricia Malua: The captain and senior batter, Malua will be tasked with leading from the front. With a composed presence at the crease, she provides stability for the team and will be able to anchor the innings during tricky phases.
Tereapii Rongo: The wicketkeeper first choice, and batter, quick behind the stumps, and aggressive with the bat up top. She will be an essential impetuous in giving the Cook Islands quick starts.
Mareta Tua: One of the more versatile players in the team, Tua bowls useful medium-pace and has come through in finishing matches with the bat. She is one of the key all-round functions in the squad.
Stephanie Rua: Rua literally gives the team balance via her off-spin and middle-order runs. Her ability to stop the flow of runs in the middle overs will be key on the spin-friendly pitches of Vanuatu.
Moeroa Tairi: As the leading pace bowler for the team, Tairi must use her accuracy and variety to get early strikes with the new ball.
Mereana Tamuera: A young left-arm spinner, she is an element of variety added to the bowling attack and can supply tight spells to web strong batting line-ups.
Ruta Tangaroa: An all-rounder-in-waiting, Tangaroa shall give both-bowling and batting depth and will surely be asked to fulfill the role of middle-order stabilizer cum partnership breaker.
Tournament
The 2025 T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier squad of Cook Islands women is a spirited unit combining experienced hands and fresher talent. Emphasis is on the spin-bowling and flexible batting. They will hope to at least push harder teams like Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu for breakthrough victories. Should the senior players really fire and the young bowlers do well, the Cook Islands can throw a couple of surprises.
