Vanuatu are considered by most associate and affiliate cricket fans to be the underdog of the ICC U/19 World Cup Qualifying event but it may come as a surprise to many that this tiny Pacific nation of around 216,000 people has one of the largest junior development programs at non-test level.

The new ICC participation figures are not released yet but in the last annual survey, which was unveiled in mid-2008, Vanuatu had 10,025 players involved in cricket programs at all levels, up from a mere 420 in the year 2000.

As the numbers have risen, so has the profile of the sport and the quality of players being produced.

In the May edition of the EAP newsletter, New Zealand first class cricketer Bevan Griggs, recently on a coaching assignment in Port Vila, probably summed up best how the game has captured the Island's imagination.

"I was assigned to travel to assist Vanuatu during their recent bi-lateral ODI series vs. Fiji (could think of worse places to visit!).

The series meant a lot to both teams; after all they were representing their county so this was no surprise. However, Vanuatu had an additional incentive. If Vanuatu was to win one game and compete well in another (losing by less than 2 wickets or 20 runs) then they would become an Associate rather than an Affiliate member of the ICC.

The difference in funding from the ICC is significant if this was to be achieved.

Vanuatu won the series 2-1!

Thinking I was getting dropped off back at my hotel after the game, the horn of the car I was in started tooting. Then the team vans behind us did the same. All of a sudden we were in the middle of a tooting tickertape parade.

With players and supporters hanging out the windows, flags flying and the trophy aloft, we made our way through the city to let the locals celebrate the victory.

People from companies, villages, hospitals, parliament, resorts and sports fields all made their way to the road side to congratulate the team. A tradition that is carried out when any of the national teams win.

During my 12 day stay in Port Vila it confirmed that cricket means so much to so many people from various backgrounds. For a lot of the Vanuatu players cricket provides opportunity for international travel and other opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to achieve."

The national senior squad has already experienced some success at international level but it would be a greater achievement still if the under-19 side were to reach the 2010 World Cup.

The squad has been strengthened by the inclusion of Lazaro Carlot, a batsman who has already scored a half-century for the senior side, and former under-15 star Nalin Nipiko. At that level he scored 172 runs at 86.00 and took 13 wickets at 7.84 with a best of 5 for 1 and is rated as an outstanding prospect. Neither player took part in the East Asia-Pacific under-19 qualifiers.

Captain Simpson Obed is a regular in the senior representative side and is now rated as one of the country's best all-rounders. Patrick Matuataava, the fast bowling all-rounder and Trevor Langa, a wicketkeeper/batsman are also key players in the senior team.

Other players to have stood out at international under-15 and under-19 tournaments include off-spinner Jelany Chilia (15 wickets at 13.86), batsman Tommy Tastuki (177 runs at 25.28) and seamer Kenny Tari (5 wickets at 20.20).

It would be unwise for opponents to underestimate this promising side. The top eight or nine rated players in the squad match up well against the best in the tournament. For the remaining five or six, this is a massive opportunity to impress. It could be that these players hold the key to a top six finish and a place in the under-19 World Cup.

Vanuatu Squad

Simpson Obed (BRED Malapoa College) RHB/RAOB
Trevor Langa (CPR Mele Bulls) WK/RHB
Kendy Kenneth (APT Dolphins) RHB
Tommy Tastuki (CPR Mele Bulls) RHB
Nalin Nipiko (Ifira) RAMF/RHB
Lazaro Carlot (Paama Sharks) RHB/RAM
Karl Ricky Laau (BRED Malapoa College) RHB
Patrick Matuataava (CPR Mele Bulls) RAMF/RHB
Samson Kalworai (Ifira) RHB
McDonald Obed (BRED Malapoa College) RHB/RAM
Jelany Chilia (CPR Mele Bulls) RAOB/RHB
Niko Unavalu (Ifira) RAMF/RHB
Steven Lynch (APT Dolphins) RAM/RHB
Kenny Tari (APT Dolphins) RAMF/RHB