Kuribayashi named Player of the Tournament

Japanese captain Ema Kuribayashi has topped off a remarkable Pepsi ICC East Asia-Pacific Women's Championship in Vanuatu by being named Player of the Tournament at the presentation night for the event.

Fiji's Alicia Dean was also given the honour of being named captain in the Team of the Tournament.

"The EAP Women's tournament team features some fantastically talented cricketers who could very much hold their own in Full Member domestic competitions. It is my hope that they continue to develop their skills and prove to be leading role models for the further growth of the women?s game in their home nations," said ICC East Asia-Pacific Regional Development Manager Kieran McMillan.

Kuribayashi was player of the match in the victorious final against PNG despite entering the match with a leg injury that prevented her from running.

She dominated the tournament averaging 61.50 with the bat and taking six wickets at an average of 4.83 with the ball.

The player of the tournament award is chosen by the umpires based on a 3-2-1 voting system applied after each match. Kuribayashi finished the tournament on eight votes tied with teammate Mariko Yamamoto but took the honours on a count back having played less matches.

PNG's Pauke Siaka and Samoa's Nathalie Tuilagi were close behind each receiving seven votes.

Kuribayashi was also one of three Japanese players named in the Team of the Tournament alongside four from Samoa, four from PNG and Fiji's Alicia Dean who was named as wicket keeper and captain.

McMillan says the tournament in Vanuatu was a huge success for everyone involved in the event and created an atmosphere fitting to the region.

"In what was my first involvement with an ICC regional tournament, I can honestly say this was the most enjoyable week I've ever had working within cricket administration. The spirit in which matches were played and the unique cultural elements which each team brought on and off the field will long live in my memory," he said.

McMillan also says that the Vanuatu Cricket Association needs to be congratulated on the effort and work that they put into managing the event to make it such a success.

"Smooth, efficient events do not just happen and praise for the success of the ICC EAP Women's Champs needs to be given in spades to the Vanuatu Cricket Association. General Manager Pierre Chilia and his team of staff and volunteers worked tirelessly all week and I thank them for their significant contributions."

The next event in the region will be the 2012 Pepsi ICC East Asia-Pacific Under 17 Championship in Fiji in late August.

Awards in Brief

Player of the Tournament
Ema Kuribayashi (Japan)

Team of the Tournament
Alicia Dean Captain/WK (Fiji)
Madeleine Chapman (Samoa)
Mebo Ipi (PNG)
Atsuko Kitamura (Japan)
Ema Kuribayashi (Japan)
Regina Lili?i (Samoa)
Hana Mauafu (Samoa)
Norma Ovasuru (PNG)
Tanya Ruma (PNG)
Pauke Siaka (PNG)
Nathalie Tuilagi (Samoa)
Mariko Yamamoto (Japan)