Brilliant economical bowling inspires Samoa to victory
Samoa took control of the ICC EAP Trophy after an excellent eight-wicket (D/L method) win over the Cook Islands on Monday.
The victory was Samoa's first over the Cook Islands and it now faces a crucial match against Vanuatu if it is to win its group and improve its chances of making the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 8.
Samoa was set-up for its historic win by a near faultless spell of medium pace bowling by man-of-the match Lautala Fuimoana, who bowled six maidens in his spell as the Cook Islands were dismissed for 135 all out.
"With figures of 2-wickets for 7-runs off 10 overs, that's just phenomenal", said team mate, Dean Seuoti.
"It's great for local Samoan cricket to have a local player like Lautala achieve these bowling figures against the best cricketers in the Asia Pacific region. It just shows that the talent is here and we just need more tournament and event to showcase and allow younger players to come on board."
Samoa then knocked off its reduced target, due to rain, with Mailata (40 not out), Turner (23) and captain Clarke (23 not out) all making important contributions, with the win leaving the skipper delighted.
"They have been our bogey team", said Clarke. "But now that we've done it, and in style it's a nice feeling as it sets us nicely for the crucial game against Vanuatu tomorrow."
Vanuatu played Indonesia in the other Non World Cricket League match and although Vanuatu has yet to fire they easily accounted for the Indonesians with a nine-wicket victory to secure its first points after a bye in the first round.
Indonesia was dismissed for 145 in the 49th over with Vanuatu's off spinner Simpson Obed claiming 5/20.
In reply, Indonesia's only wicket came from a brilliant leg side stumping when keeper Thenuwara reacted quickly to dislodge the bails and send Lenika Natapei on his way for 39.
Vanuatu's opener Damien Smith scored a half century and batted well throughout the rain delays to chase the Indonesian total down.
With Fiji reeling a lost opportunity to defeat Papua New Guinea on Saturday, the Fijians were ready to impress when they took on Japan. Fiji started well not only winning the toss and electing to bat but openers Baba and Bulabalavu went on to have an opening stand of 84 before Japan steadied the ship with some excellent fielding to create two run outs and some tight bowling from Rizwan who took 4 wickets to dismiss Fiji in the 50th over for 238.
Baba backed up his impressive ton earlier in the week to score an impressive 63 before playing across the line and being bowled by Rizwan. Baba Man of the Match 63 included 7 boundaries and two towering pull shots for 6.
With the possibility of rain Fiji attacked early and managed to capture some key top order batters. Browne took two wickets including the Japanese captain and dangerous batsmen Kobyashi before young under 19 captain and leg spinner Yabaki claimed two 2/12 off 4 overs.