Tato helps Samoa take the points over PNG

Fierce rivals Samoa and PNG have fought another close battle in Sano, Japan at the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 – East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 2017, with Samoa taking the spoils this time.

PNG captain Pauke Siaka won the toss and again sent the opposition in to bat first under beautiful blue skies in Sano.

An early wicket to off-spinner Sibona Jimmy appeared to justify the decision to bowl first but Samoa’s top order had other ideas.

First captain Regina Lili’I (36) and then Lelia Bourne (29) took the innings away from PNG as Samoa set them a big chase and a target of exactly 100 for victory.

Samoa’s determination to reverse their fortunes from last year was clear from the start and every bowler did their part for the win.

But the star with the ball was Maria Tato (4/18) who at one point was on a hat-trick after picking up the crucial wickets of PNG’s captain Pauke Siaka and big hitting Konio Oala.

PNG never recovered from there despite some resistance from the lower order and were bowled out for 83 in the 19th over.

The 16 run win sees Samoa go to the top of the table with one more day of play before a rest day.

Meanwhile in the second game Vanuatu recorded their first ever win against Japan on the back of a strong bowling performance from young spinner Nasimana Navaika (4/15).

After being sent in to bat first, the Japanese innings got off to a disastrous start with a mix-up on the first ball between the openers leading to Shizuka Miyaji being run out without facing a ball.

The Vanuatu bowlers then did the rest of the work along with a strong fielding effort that saw them bowl the more experienced Japan out for just 61.

Navaika then backed up her bowling performance with 15 not out to pick up the Player of the Match and a four wicket win for Vanuatu which she brought up with a big six down the ground.

The final matches of the first round being played tomorrow are Samoa versus Vanuatu in the morning followed by Japan and PNG in the afternoon.

The 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 – East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 2017 is taking place in Sano, Japan from April 28 to May 5 and will feature teams from Japan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Vanuatu.

The top team will qualify for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier to be held in later 2017 or early 2018.

Summary of scores

Samoa 5/99 (20) Lili’I 36, Bourne 29 defeated PNG 83 (18.2) GP Tom 19, Tato 4/18 (4), Telea 3/25 (3.2) by 16 runs

Japan 61 (15.4) Navaika 4/15 (4) defeated by Vanuatu 6/65 (14.2) Langiatu 20, Navaika 15*, K Ishimoto 3/19 (4)by 4 wickets

Points Table