Cricket returns to Vanuatu

Live cricket will resume in Vanuatu this weekend, as the country's best female players will be in action in the final round of the women's Super League. Following the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus around the world, cricket (sport) and life as we know it was forced to come to a grinding halt. Countries all around the world had to put their plans on hold.



However, it seems things have somewhat 'normalised' in Vanuatu with cricket being allowed to resume. The women's super league finals will thus be played on Saturday (April 25) with the matches being live streamed on Vanuatu Cricket's Facebook page.



In the first game of the day, the Power House Sharks will take on Tafea Black Birds in the semi-final, with the winner facing Mele Bulls in the final. The Mele Bulls are the only undefeated team in the competition - a four-team event - so far.



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"We have decided that it is safe for us to resume our cricketing activities," said Shane Deitz, CEO, Vanuatu Cricket. "However, we understand that there is still a need for physical distancing and we will do our best to ensure that we abide by physical distancing recommendations and also maintain good hygiene."



Vanuatu currently has no cases of Coronavirus. Their government acted quickly, declaring a state of emergency in the country from March 26, closing the borders and stopping the flight services a week before that. However, a tropical cyclone, Harold, hit the region in early April leaving the country devastated.



Vanuatu Cricket has chosen to use this opportunity (of cricket resuming) to help raise funds and aid cyclone relief. People have already been encouraged to donate clothes, utensils and any essentials which will be of use to the people affected in those areas.



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"We understand the devastation that Harold has caused on the northern islands of Vanuatu and we would like to give back to the communities that we have been working closely with on Santo that have been affected," explained Melissa Fare, Vanuatu Cricket marketing manager.



Currently, Vanuatu women's team are ranked 28th in the ICC T20I rankings and three of their players also feature in premiere women's cricket in Australia. The association's aim is to see Vanuatu break into the top 20 in the rankings in near future.