PNG dismantle rivals in T20 warm-Up matches
PNG have sent a strong warning to all teams competing at the ICC EAP Under 19 Cricket Trophy by easily winning their two T20 warm-up matches over Fiji and Vanuatu at the Yandina Cricket Club on Friday.
Vanuatu and Fiji also recorded wins on the day in the team's final competitive hit out before the tournament begins at the Maroochydore Cricket Club on Sunday.
"It probably wasn't the hit out that we were hoping for," said PNG assistant coach Greg Campbell. "But at the same time the boys said to each other when chasing Vanuatu that good teams would chase that total down in eight overs and that's what we did so that was pleasing."
In the morning games Vanuatu dominated the early stages of both innings in their match against Japan to record a comfortable 76 run win and Fiji were unable to put up much resistance against tournament favourites PNG as they were bowled out for 42 chasing 131.
Despite a cautious start Vanuatu finished their innings 8-134 thanks to a quick fire 31 from just 14 deliveries from Kendy Kenneth. He was well supported by Nalin Nipiko who hit a valuable 28 off 21 balls. Makoto Taniyama was the best of the bowlers for Japan taking 3-23.
Taking the new ball Jaxies Samuel virtually ended any hope of a Japanese victory taking four wickets in his first two overs to leave Japan struggling at 4-4. Raheel Kano (13) and Shun Onishi (13*) saved Japan from embarrassment as they assisted their team to bat out the 20 overs and finish the match on 6-58. Samuel ended with figures of 4-11 off his four overs.
Missing a few key players PNG struggled early to score quick runs on a slow wicket before 32 from Rogeauka Roge and 22 from Raturima Maha helped guide them to 5/131. Despite a solid showing with the bat it was PNG's performance with the ball and in the field that left their rivals with a lot to think about prior to the tournament opener on Sunday as they dismantled Fiji for just 42.
Toua Tom took an incredible 5-5 off his 4 overs and Chris Kent also chipped in for 2 wickets to fill his side with confidence heading into the afternoon match against Vanuatu.
In the afternoon Vanuatu made a solid start against PNG after some sensible batting from Kenneth got them to 2-30 after seven overs. However once he was dismissed for 13 Vanuatu collapsed to be all out in 15.4 overs for only 52. Chris Kent was outstanding with the ball taking 5-6 off his four overs.
PNG then made light work of Vanuatu's modest total passing the score in 8.5 overs thanks to 40 off 34 balls from Vagi Oala. Despite the apparent ease of the victory Vanuatu still took a lot out of the game.
"I still think we showed signs today that we can match it with PNG," said Vanuatu Team Manager Babera Kaltongga. "Our bowling was great we just need to be more sensible with the bat and keep the ball along the ground."
Japan bounced back strongly after their disappointing performance against Vanuatu only to fall seven runs short of Fiji who were on the ropes early at 5-23. A timely 31 from Tauyasa Vakarau lifted Fiji to all out for 87 in the 20th over. Shodai Yamada set the scene for Japan with 4-15.
Japan avoided losing a wicket until the seventh over, however were unable to apply the necessary scoreboard pressure to keep themselves in the game. In the end needing 36 from the last three overs they ended their innings seven runs short at 7-80. Shohei Gawa top scored for Japan with 16 and Noa Acawei ended with figures of 2-16 for Fiji.
Brief scores:
At Yandina Cricket Club: Vanuatu 134-8, 20 overs (Kendy Kenneth 31, Nalin Nipiko 28, Makoto Taniyama 3-23) beat Japan 58-6, 20 overs (Raheel Kano 13, Shun Onishi 13 not out; Jaxies Samual 4-11); Result: Vanuatu won by 76 runs
At Yandina Cricket Club: PNG 131-5, 20 overs (Rogeauka Roge 32, Raturima Maha 22, Tukana Tavo 2-20) beat Fiji 42, 20 overs (Tukana Tavo 12; Toua Tom 5-5, Chris Kent 2-6); Result: PNG won by 89 runs
At Yandina Cricket Club: Vanuatu 52, 15.4 overs (Kendy Kenneth 13, Samson Kalworai 12, Chris Kent 5-6) lost to PNG 55-1, 8.5 overs (Vagi Oala 40 not out; Nalin Nipiko 1-7); Result: PNG won by 9 wickets
At Yandina Cricket Club: Fiji 87, 19.5 overs (Tauyasa Vakarau 31, Shodai Yamada 4-15) beat Japan 80-7, 20 overs (Shohei Gawa 16; Noa Acawei 2-16); Result: Fiji won by 7 runs