Full Name: Apolinaire Stephen Date of Birth: March 30, 2002 Birthplace: Tanna Island, Vanuatu Role: Right-Arm Fast Bowler | Tail-End Batter From the windswept hills of Tanna Island to the spotlight of international T20 cricket, Apolinaire Stephen is one of Vanuatu’s most exciting young fast bowlers. With jersey number 21, an athletic frame, and a ball that fizzes off the pitch, he represents the new wave of fearless, fast-paced energy sweeping through Vanuatu cricket. Born in 2002, Apolinaire’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in a rural part of the archipelago, he wasn’t surrounded by stadiums or professional coaches. What he did have, however, was pure pace, a deep love for the game, and the resilience to keep pushing boundaries. From the moment he started playing with taped tennis balls on rough fields, it was evident he had a gift—one that didn’t go unnoticed for long. By the age of 17, Apolinaire had already broken into Vanuatu’s domestic circuit, and soon after, he earned a call-up to the national team. At a time when most fast bowlers are still finding their rhythm, he was already clocking serious pace and troubling established batters. His raw speed, paired with a natural ability to swing the ball, made him a rare asset for Vanuatu. In the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, Apolinaire grabbed attention with a sensational spell against Fiji—picking up 4 wickets for just 17 runs, and rattling their top and middle order with sheer pace and accuracy. That performance not only helped Vanuatu to a commanding win but also confirmed Apolinaire’s place as the team’s frontline strike bowler. What sets Apolinaire apart is not just his talent but his temperament. He bowls with aggression but maintains incredible discipline. He’s not afraid to go full throttle with the new ball or return during the death overs when the pressure is highest. His ability to bowl yorkers and sharp bouncers adds versatility, and he’s already building a reputation for making breakthroughs in critical moments. While his batting remains a work in progress, he’s shown grit at the tail end—often helping add crucial late runs and showing the same fearless attitude that defines his bowling. But beyond numbers, Apolinaire is a story of inspiration. He represents the future of Vanuatu cricket—a future built not just on talent, but on determination, hard work, and heart. Off the field, he is polite, soft-spoken, and grounded. He spends time working with young cricketers in Tanna and often speaks about using his journey to inspire others from remote islands to dream big. Still in the early stages of his career, Apolinaire Stephen, with jersey 21, is already a pillar in the Vanuatu bowling unit. With each match, he is not only getting better—he is helping reshape what’s possible for cricket in a small island nation with big dreams.