Kila Pala smashes century in EAP victory

The ICC East Asia – Pacific (EAP) team have bounced back from a humiliating outright defeat in Round 1 to overcome South Australia Country (SAC) in round two of the Australian Country Cricket Championships 2009.

With Round 2 being the first of the one-day fixtures, EAP were confident that the talented batting line-up would succeed second time around, and that they did.

With SAC electing to bat first on a good wicket, it was Haodo Jnr and Fijian Lomani who took the new ball. After a solid opening stand of 25, youngster Haoda Jnr ripped through the top order with a scintillating spell of pace bowling, taking three quick wickets, and with Lomani knocking over dangerous opener Knight, SAC was reduced to 46-4.

SAC continued to fight against a disciplined EAP attack and were eventually dismissed for 181 all out in the 47th over. Haoda Jnr followed up his outstanding form in Round 1 to claim 4-38 from nine overs, while Lomani, Dikana and Ovia chipped in with two wickets each.

Chasing 182 to win from 53 overs, the EAP innings began disastrously losing Vani Vagi Morea for 0. Kobayashi and Ovia steadied the ship somewhat but wickets continued to fall regularly, reducing EAP to a precarious 51-5.

Enter young guns Kila Pala and Andrew Mansale, who added 100 runs with some deft stroke play, excellent running between wickets and powerful hitting. Mansale was eventually dismissed for an outstanding 43, however with still 31 runs to win the match was in the balance.

Pala continued his aggressive approach, slamming home his tenth six to finish the day unbeaten on 113, with Captain Dikana holding up an end to ensure victory was reached with reasonable comfort.

EAP now look forward to a two-day fixture against Western Australia Country at Eudunda Oval which begins on 8 January.