PNG capture ICC EAP Trophy
The Papua New Guinea Barramundi's have continued their dominance in Apia with another convincing win to take out the World Cricket League section of the 2009 Pepsi ICC EAP Men's Cricket Trophy, even though they still have one last group match tomorrow against Fiji.
From day one the Barramundi's have exuded class, professionalism and a team-first attitude to be by far the best team in the EAP Region.
Led superbly by rookie Captain Chris Amini, the Barramundi's again excelled today, knocking over Japan for just 60. Amini was the standout, grabbing 3 for 6, well supported by Loa Nou (2 for 18 from 9 overs) and young leg-spinner Vali Albert (1 for 15).
In reply, the Barramundi's chased down the required 61 in just 7.1 overs, with star opener Vani Vagi Morea smashing an unbeaten 41.
In the all important Round five clash of the Non World Cricket League Competition, Vanuatu were looking to continue their unbeaten run against a Cook Islands team desperate to notch another win and progress to the final ahead of Samoa.
The Cook Islands began well, with Etita and Tangimatua putting together a partnership of 51, before Kenni Tari got the all important breakthrough of Etita to a skied outfield catch by Damian Smith.
From there the Vanuatu bowlers applied excellent pressure, with medium pacer Edy Mansale (2 for 25) and his younger brother Andrew (3 for 25) bowling particularly well. The Cook Islands eventually dismissed for a disappointing 119.
In reply, the strong Vanuatu batting line-up was never headed, with Captain Andrew Mansale following up his century in Round 4 with a stylish 47, while all-rounder Jonathon Dunn steered the team home with 31*.
In the final match, Tonga and Indonesia went head to head with both teams desperate to take their first points of the competition and make the 3rd v 4th playoff.
Indonesia won the toss and elected to bat, and following from a solid batting performance in Round 4, were looking to again get above the 200 mark.
Unfortunately, the Indonesians were unable to hold firm against star pace duo Mafi Langi (4 for 22) and Simione Latu (4 for 33), crumbling to 5 for 29, before eventually being dismissed for 112 in the 33rd over. Indonesian wicketkeeper Thenuara was the only batsman to show resistance with a fighting 37.
Tonga began their chase poorly, losing Holi and Mau with the score on 21, before inspirational Captain Aisake Haukina strode to the crease with only one intention, to hit the ball hard and far. Haukinima looked at ease at the crease before unleashing against spinner Gede Suda Arsa, smashing three sixes, including two in consecutive balls, before finally being bowled for a quick-fire 34.
Moala (43) and Valu (21*) added to the scoring spree, the Tongans passing the required target in just 14 overs.