The win puts the national team in pole position to qualify for the Super Six stage, with a final group match remaining against top favourites Papua New Guinea tonight.

In the match held at Korogi Sports Park, the Cook Islands won the toss and elected to bowl.

The decision paid off immediately as bowlers Jared Tutty and Hayden Dickson applied early pressure, ripping through the top order to claim two wickets in the first two overs – including a duck for the South Korean captain.

While South Korea attempted a recovery, their momentum was halted by Oscar Taylor, who struck just as their top scorer began to settle.

Cook Islands’ bowling attack remained relentless, restricting South Korea to a total of 49 runs in 16.2 overs.

Quin Stephens, the Player of the Match, delivered a standout performance on his debut, claiming three wickets for just 4 runs across his three overs.

Jared Tutty, Oscar Taylor and Cory Dickson claimed two wickets each, while Hayden Dickson took one. Cory was particularly impressive, finishing with figures of 2/4 from 2.2 overs.

In reply, the Cook Islands chased down the target in just 4.4 overs, losing only one wicket in the process.

Opener Hayden Dickson provided a quick start, scoring 18 runs off 13 balls (including four boundaries) before falling in the fourth over.

His partner, Thomas Parima, top-scored with an unbeaten 21 runs from 10 balls, while captain Ma’ara Ave added seven runs from five balls to seal the dominant victory.

Cook Islands Cricket Association president Grant Walker said South Korea came into the tournament as the lowest ranked side “so we were quietly confident going to the game”.

“However, the results were tremendous and certainly it was a more dominant victory than we would’ve imagined, and I think that’s a testament to the preparation, passion and execution of the team,” Walker told Cook Islands News.

“If we continue to play at that level, we will be in a good situation in every match.”

Cook Islands will be expecting a much tougher opponent in PNG – a higher ranked side – who faced South Korea in their first match lats night.

A win for PNG means Cook Islands is through to the Super Six regardless of tonight’s outcome versus the Pacific giants.

However, since match results are carried into the Super Six in points and net run rating, “the boys will be ready and we expect it will be a great game”.

Cook Islands is bracing for a significantly tougher opponent in Papua New Guinea (PNG) – a higher-ranked side that faced South Korea in their opening match last night.

A victory for PNG versus South Korea would guarantee the Cook Islands a spot in the Super Six, regardless of the outcome of tonight’s clash.

However, because match results – including points and net run rate – carry over into the Super Six stage, the stakes remain high.

“The PNG team after several years of difficulty with some structural issues and player issues has reformed. Some of their former World Cup players are back and I think they’ve returned to the form that has them ranked 22nd in the world,” Walker said.

“So clearly this will be one of the most difficult challenges we’ve faced in recent memory, if potentially ever. So, we will need to equal if not better our opening effort.

“The boys will be ready, and we expect it to be a great game.”
The tournament is being held in two stages: a Group Stage from 8-10 May, followed by a Super Six Stage from 12-18 May (local times). Teams are split into three groups of three, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage. At the end of the Super Six, the top teams will earn their place in the next stage as they look to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 in Australia and New Zealand.

Cook Islands

Players: Aue Parima – Aitutaki+Mangaia, Thomas Parima – Aitutaki +Mangaia, Cory Dickson – Rarotonga, Jared Tutty – Mauke, Ma’ara Ave (C) – Mangaia, Oscar Taylor – Rarotonga, James Pickering (WK) – Rarotonga, Hayden Dickson (VC)- Rarotonga, Paul Cummings – Atiu, Teaute Ravarua – Pukapuka, Jeremiah Shields – Aitutaki, Luca Grace – Mangaia, Quin Stephens – Rarotonga, Adison Rowe – Penrhyn. Support Staff – Head Coach: Ian West, Assistant Coach: Tomakanute Ritawa, Physio: Tali Wilson Munday, Manager: Rahul Patil.