Cook Islands cricket men’s side is one win away from making history at the ICC East Asia Pacific Sub Regional Qualifier A tournament in Apia, Samoa.

The national side yesterday defeated Samoa by eight wickets to lead the tournament with eight points from four wins and a loss.

Cook Islands faces Fiji today, the same team they lost to in the final match of round one last weekend. Samoa with six points will take on Vanuatu.

Samoa won the toss and decided to bat. The home side posted 169 for 4 in 20 overs.

Cook Islands team manager Rahul Patil reported: “Chasing a stiff target of 170, the star of the show was the man from Mangaia, Thomas Parima, who scored an unbelievable century. His 104 of just 52 balls was studded with 10 fours and 7 massive sixes. Thomas won the player of the match award for his amazing innings.”

“Cook Islands now sit at the top of the table and only need a win against Fiji to win the tournament and qualify for the next stage.

“A loss would mean their future will depend on the outcome of the Samoa vs. Vanuatu game as Samoa have a superior net run rate.”

The winner of this tournament will join the EAP Sub Regional B winner, four Asian Sub Regional Qualifiers, as well as Nepal, Oman and Papua New Guinea. Three of those nine teams will advance to the 2026 T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka.