After an early group-stage loss to Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands bounced back in style, winning three successive Super Six matches before facing Samoa in a must-win clash on Sunday night (Cook Islands time).

However, the national side slumped to a heavy nine-wicket defeat with 52 balls remaining.

The result anchored the Cook Islands to a fourth-place finish with six points, just behind Samoa, who claimed third place courtesy of a superior net run rate.

Papua New Guinea finished at the top of the standings on eight points despite losing to Japan in their final match. Japan also finished on eight points but had to settle for second place due to a lower net run rate.

After overcoming Vanuatu and Japan earlier in the week, the Cook Islands faced Indonesia and Samoa over the weekend.

Saturday night’s match against Indonesia was shortened to a 16-overs-a-side contest due to the weather. After losing the toss, the Cook Islands were put in to bat by their opponents.

The national team posted a competitive 128 for six in their allotted 16 overs. Captain Ma’ara Ave led from the front, top-scoring with a brilliant 56 off just 34 balls. He was well-supported by opener Hayden Dickson, who made 35 runs from 26 balls, and Cory Dickson, who chipped in with a quickfire 24 off 16 deliveries.

In reply, the Cook Islands’ bowling attack starved the Indonesian batsmen of runs. Despite a fighting 45 from number three batsman Kavin Neeraj, the Cook Islands picked up regular wickets, restricting the rest of the Indonesian lineup to single digits.

Indonesia was held to 78 runs from their 16 overs, handing the Cook Islands a convincing 50-run victory.

Cory Dickson was the pick of the bowlers, grabbing two wickets for 16 runs across his three overs. Hayden Dickson, Jared Tutty, Quin Stephens and Aue Parima all chipped in with a wicket apiece.

The clinical win over Indonesia set a perfect platform for Sunday’s must-win match against Samoa, who were reeling from a nine-wicket thumping by Japan the previous day.

Samoa won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends as they ripped through the Cook Islands’ top order. Opener Thomas Parima and number three Cory Dickson were both dismissed for ducks.

Middle-order batsman Aue Parima was the only national player to reach double digits, scoring a resilient 24 runs as the Cook Islands were bundled out for a meagre 75 runs in 19.1 overs.

Samoa chased down the modest target with ease, reaching 76 runs in just 11.2 overs for the loss of a single wicket to secure a dominant nine-wicket victory.

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.