Epic final round awaits as 3 teams still have claims on qualifications places
Indonesia gets a win on the board as the Garamuts continue to dominate
PNG v Vanuatu
Played at Amini Park,Port Moresby
Vanuatu 115, 44 overs (T Langa 33; J REVA 3-16)
PNG 117-1, 25 overs (H SIAKA 43; S Obed 1-32)
PNG won by nine wickets
Indonesia v Japan
Played at Colts Ground,Port Moresby
Indonesia 103, 30.1 overs (I Dharmawan; R Kano 5-21)
Japan 46, 20.1 overs (S Futatsugi 19; I Daniel 5-19)
Indonesia won by 57 runs
Vanuatu, Fiji and the PNG Garamuts are all in a position to grab a qualifying position heading into the final round of the 2009 Pepsi ICC EAP U/19 Cricket Trophy in Port Moresby, PNG.
PNG are out in front on six points and a NRR above five, while Fiji and Vanuatu are both on four points, with a NRR of just 0.4 separating the two teams heading into the final round.
In today's matches, Indonesia faced off against Japan in what was an interesting matchup, with both teams yet to win a game so far.
Indonesia won the toss and elected to bat, and were soon in early trouble at 31-4. Captain Putra Dharmawan batted well to reach 20 before he fell to young Japanese medium pacer Raheel Kano, who had found his rhythm.
Indonesia continued to fight through some tough periods, eventually reaching a competitive 103, with the persistence of Kano who was rewarded with 5-21.
Japan needed to see off young paceman Ishan Daniel if they were to chase down these runs, and began well reaching 32-1. Ishan started to find a good line, and consistently troubled the Japanese top order.
He then went on a rampage, taking an astonishing four wickets for four runs from just 13 balls to devastate the Japanese middle order. This run of dismissals included a freak catch from Indonesian star Jacob Joseph, who plucked a sharp chance in first slip low to the ground.
Ishan Daniel finished with 5-19, and skipper Putra Dharmawan finished off a fine all-round performance to clean up the tail, grabbing four wickets for three from just 2.1 overs.
At Amini Park, PNG faced Vanuatu in a clash which would shape the all important final standings. Vanuatu chose to bat and succumbed to early pressure from opening pair Raymond Haoda Junior and Ao Mea, slumping to 28-4.
Experienced duo Trevor Langa and Simpson Obed tried valiantly to turn the tide, putting on 27 in quick time before Langa was well caught at mid-off by Heni Siaka, attempting to go over the top of the in-field.
Vanuatu reached 115 thanks to some fine hitting from Tommy Tastuky, who launched three huge sixes in the latter stages.
In reply, PNG were never in trouble and batted with the class and grace that we have come to expect from John Boge and his squad, knocking off the required runs in the 25th over.
Heni Siaka was again amongst the runs, guiding his team home with 43 not out, ably supported by opening partner Lega Tau (30) and Vagi Oala (24 not out)
Friday 5th June
Amini Park: PNG v Fiji
Colts Ground: Vanuatu v Japan
For all match results, statistics, fixtures and updates, click here