Vanuatu & Fiji both go three from three to remain unbeaten in EAP
Vanuatu recorded a comfortable win over Pacific rivals Samoa on day three of the 2017 ICC World Cricket League Qualifier – East Asia-Pacific, while Fiji had a close win over Japan.
On a warm and sunny morning in Bendigo, Vanuatu won the toss against Samoa and chose to bat on a flat pitch at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Openers Jonathon Dunn (66) and Joshua Rasu (22) got Vanuatu off to the perfect start with a fifty-run opening stand.
There was no relief for Samoa’s bowlers when Patrick Matautaava came to the crease for a quick-fire 30, including three fours and one six.
Trevor Langa (54) recorded his second half-century of the tournament as Vanuatu posted 9-264 from their 50 overs.
Samoa’s chase got off to a disastrous start when Sean Cotter ran himself out for a duck on the second ball of the innings.
It didn’t get any better for Samoa from there and when captain Ben Mailata (23) was caught and bowled off the bowling of Jelany Chilia, Samoa’s run chase fell apart.
In the end they were bowled out for 128, giving Vanuatu a 136-run win to keep them clear of Fiji on net run rate at the top of the table.
Fiji’s five-wicket win over Japan was closer than expected after they slumped to 4-64 chasing Japan’s total of just 154.
Japanese captain Masaomi Kobayashi (61 not out) continued his good form with the bat but didn’t have enough support from his teammates.
Riyad Khan (3-23) and Josefa Baleicicia (3-16) did the damage with the ball for Fiji.
Finally, the Philippines recorded their first win of the tournament, beating Indonesia by six wickets.
Haider Kiana (52) top scored for the Philippines, while Daniel Smith and Jonathon Hill both picked up three wickets.
Play resumes tomorrow with Vanuatu taking on Indonesia, Samoa playing Philippines and Japan playing Fiji.
The six teams are competing for a position in the ICC’s World Cricket League Division 5. All matches will be live scored through www.icc-cricket.com/world-cricket-league/east-asia-pacific.
The ICC is delivering the tournament in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo and with support from the Victorian Government through the Significant Sporting Events Program.
Summary of results:
Vanuatu 9/264 (50 overs) Dunn 66, Langa 54, Matautaava 30, Nipiko 30 defeatedSamoa 128 (40.1 overs) Kaisala 25, Chilia 3/26 (10) by 136 runs
Japan 7/154 (50 overs) Kobayashi 61*, Baleicicia 3/16 (6), R Khan 3/23 (10) defeated byFiji 5/157 Ravoka 46*, Tupou 43*, Kida 40 by 5 wickets
Indonesia 140 (46.4 overs) Rubbi 49*, D Smith 3/14 (10), Hill 3/30 (7) defeated by Philippines 4/141 (37.5) Kiani 52, Hill 41 by 6 wickets
To see the latest Points Table for the ICC World Cricket League Qualifier: East Asia Pacific, please click here.