PNG flex their muscles while Fiji get off to a fine start

Papua New Guinea v Japan
Played at Amini Park,Port Moresby
Japan 55, 29.2 overs (C AMINI 5-16).
PNG 57-1; 9.3 overs (H SIAKA 30, Y Yamahara 1-24)
PNG won by nine wickets
Scorecard

Fiji v Indonesia
Played at Colts Ground,Port Moresby
Indonesia 91 all out (M Tba 22, T Tavo 3-26)
Fiji 93-6, (N Cawei 24; I Arsa 3-10)
Fiji won by four wickets
Scorecard

The 2009 Pepsi ICC East Asia-Pacific U/19 Cricket Trophy began today at Amini Park and Colts Grounds in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The tournament kicked off in fine style with the Port Moresby Police Marching band performing the national anthems of all participating teams, while Governor General of PNG, Sir Paulius Mantane officially inaugurating the competition.

At Amini Park, PNG were up against Japan, in a match that had the hosts placed as favorites. The reigning champions didn't disappoint, bundling Japan out for just 55 in the 29th over.

While the Japanese would have been disappointed with the small total, it didn't quite reflect in the application most of its batsmen displayed, and it certainly will take some confidence for the team to move into the latter part of the tournament.

For PNG, paceman Raymond Haoda Junior was outstanding with the new ball, bowling with real pace and collecting 2-7 from seven overs. Another standout was young spinner Charles Amini Junior, who bowled five accurate overs for an amazing return of 5-16.

In the other first round match, Indonesia and Fiji battled at Colts Ground in Port Moresby. Indonesia won the toss and elected to bat, getting off to an outstanding start, reaching 50 without loss before a major middle-order collapse reduced them to 57-5. The Fiji squad, buoyed by the quick wickets, continued to put pressure on the Indonesian lower-order, eventually dismissing it for 91.

In reply, Fiji was under early pressure losing Herbert Christopher for 0, before a partnership of 46 steadied the run chase, with Inoke Cama and Seru Tupou digging in the bowling attack. Young Indonesian medium pacer Suda Arsa then went on a rampage, picking up two wickets in succession to have Fiji shaky, and when Joseph Jacob chimed in with another wicket for no further addition, Indonesia had victory within its grasp.

From there it was anyone's game, and even though the young Indonesia leg-spinner Joseph Jacob bowled some unplayable deliveries, the more experienced Fiji was able to steady, passing the required total with four wickets to spare.

Monday June 1st Fixture:
Amini Park: Vanuatu v Fiji
Colts Ground: PNG v Indonesia
Bye: Japan

For all match results, statistics, fixtures and updates, click here