The cricketer has been selected in the Cook Islands squad to attend the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific sub-regional qualifier in Japan.
The tournament is part of the qualification process for the 2028 T20 World Cup which will be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
Shields, 38, told the Oamaru Mail last week it was a great opportunity for him.
"I wouldn’t say it’s a dream come true because I never thought it would ever happen. It wasn’t ever on the radar.
"It’s pretty cool to be doing this sort of thing especially at the age I am, especially after I thought playing at that sort of level was well past me."
Shields played for Te Waipounamu at the Tane Māori Nationals in 2025 and that was where he linked up with Cook Islands Cricket Association.
"They just asked for a bit of interest or who had Cook Island heritage.
"So I just said yeah, I’ve got heritage and am keen to understand how I can make this happen and I’ve just been in communication with them ever since.
"They invited me up to play a pre-tour tournament in Auckland where we played ND [Northern Districts] Māori and Auckland Māori in a mini tournament and from that point they said we’d be keen for you play for us in Japan."
The qualifying tournament would be the highest level of cricket he has played and Shields was eager to test himself against international opposition.
"That’s been a challenge as well ... to understand where they see me fitting into the side.
"Not the usual opening spot that I would [have] in town but more using that experience I’ve gained over the years to link the top five with the bottom order."
He aimed to contribute both on and off the field.
"We take a squad of 14 so I’ve got to still try and make the XI which is a good challenge for me.
"But at the same time, if I don’t make the XI and don’t play any games, I’ll be the best squad member they’ve ever seen.
"That’s just through the love of the game for me, whatever position I’m in over there I’ll give my all for it."
Shields wants to just enjoy the whole experience.
"Yes the cricket is amazing and the opportunity is amazing, but to meet the people and connect with them and potentially have friends for life through it is a big part of why I do it."
While most of the team has been training together in Auckland, Shields has been mostly on his own with net sessions in Oamaru as well as working with Craig Smith on his fitness levels to make sure he is in the best shape possible.
He enters the tournament in some good form, too, as he was the second leading scorer in the most recent Borton Cup season with 408 runs at an average of 40.80, with three half centuries and one century.
Shields and his team-mates flew to Japan on Monday and will play their first game today at 5pm against South Korea.
