Squads named for 2016 Women's World Cup East-Asia Pacific qualifier
Japan: Mai Yanagida (captain), Etsuko Kobayasji (vice-captain), Eri Yamaguchi (vice-captain), Miho Asama, Rio Endo, Kanae Ishimoto, Miho Kanno, Shizuka Miyaji, Ayako Nakayama, Kaoruko Nishida, Kurumi Ota, Madoka Shiraishi, Ayana Suzuki, Aki Umetani.
Coach: Nicole Martin
Papua New Guinea: Pauke Siaka (captain), Helen Buruka (vice-captain), Ravini Oa (vice-captain), Veru Kila Frank, Konio Oala, Brenda Hoi Tau, Kopi John, Mairi Tom, Hinamutawa Philip, Kari Serua, Sibona Lucy Jimmy, Geathie Kilapat, Daniella Luwenica Saiwa Ila, Renagi Mogala
Coach: Rodney Maha
Samoa: Regina Sela Monika Lili’i (captain), Perelini Mulitalo (vice-captain), Lelia Ane Bourne, Taalili Iosefo, Via Meretiana Andrew, Feala Vaelua, Taofi Lafai, Matile Uliao, Letelesa Autagavaia, Faamitai Anitoni, Lagi Otila Tele’a, Eleni Vaaetasi, Velder Levaula, Filimaua Malo
Coach: Taitoe Uala Kaisala
Cricket Without Borders: Charlotte Killeen, Alana King, Grace Lee, Chelsea Moscript, Molly Ward, Georgia Kerr, Maddie May, Chelsea Ryan, Eloise Gardner, Maddi Tobias, Madeline Hendy, Alice Johnston, Zoe Quinsey Munro, Sophie Jennings, Jess Adams
Coach: Bryce McGain
The three teams competing from the ICC East-Asia Pacific region to earn a place in the 2016 Women's World Cup Qualifier have named their squads for the regional qualifier that gets underway on 15th July.
Hosts Samoa will be joined by Japan and Papua New Guinea in Apia, with both themselves and PNG qualifying by virtue of finishing in first and second at the 2015 Pacific Games in PNG.
The winner of qualifier will progress to the global qualifier which will be held later this year to determine the final four qualifiers for next year's Women's World Cup.
"We know that a bigger, better global game is one which has more women involved in all aspects of our sport and the ICC has committed to making that a strategic priority," ICC East Asia-Pacific Regional Development Manager Kieran McMillan said.
"Part of that is ensuring there is a pathway for Associate and Affiliate Members to global cricket events.
"It will be exciting to see the improvements in the competing national teams as a result of increased grassroots participation that underpins their talent development programs," he added.
For the second time, a team from Cricket Without Borders (CWOB) will be joining the competition. CWOB is an organisation that promotes and develops cricket for young women in the spirit of sportsmanship, friendship, cultural diversity and fun.
CWOB's side will be made up of young girls from around Victoria, Australia. While they won't be able to win the event, they will take on all three international side and are to be coached by former Australian international Bryce McGain.
Apia's Garden Oval will host the first round of matches on 15th July and all sides will play each other twice. The team on top of the table after the double round robin will win the tournament.
Tournament fixtures
15th July: Samoa v PNG, CWOB v Japan
16th July: PNG v Japan, CWOB v Samoa
18th July: Japan v Samoa, CWOB v PNG
19th July: Samoa v PNG, CWOB v Japan
21st July: PNG v Japan, CWOB v Samoa
22nd July: Japan v Samoa, CWOB v PNG
© Cricket World 2016