Andrew's All-Round Brilliance Propels Vanuatu to Victory in World Cup Qualifier

Vanuatu's captain, Rachel Andrew, delivered a standout performance, securing a winning start for her team in their pursuit of a place in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier. Her remarkable achievement included a hat-trick with the ball, which was further enhanced by her resilient batting display. She remained unbeaten, scoring 85 runs against Indonesia. This performance has earned her a place in the record books.

Andrew, aged 27, became only the second player from Vanuatu to achieve a hat-trick in a Women's T20I match. She also became only the second player to score a half-century and take a hat-trick in the shortest format of the game.

Interestingly, the first player to accomplish this feat was her teammate, Selina Solman. Solman had previously achieved this earlier in the year against France, scoring an unbeaten 56 runs and taking 4 wickets for no runs in a comprehensive victory.

In the East-Asia Pacific Qualifier campaign held in Fiji, Andrew's efforts propelled Vanuatu to a score of 131. Indonesia responded with a steady start, with Maria Corazon and Desi Wulandari building a 55-run opening partnership. However, Andrew and Nasimana Navaika ensured Vanuatu's comeback with the ball in the second half of Indonesia's innings, securing the win.

Andrew finished with figures of 3 wickets for 10 runs and was awarded Player of the Match. Navaika also played a crucial role, taking three wickets for 27 runs in her four overs. Following the win, Vanuatu holds the second position in Group B after the initial round of matches, with hosts Fiji leading the group. The ongoing eight-team tournament in Fiji will determine the final spot in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.