If the inclusion of Cricket in the 2019 Pacific Games by the Pacific Games Council needed a vote of confidence to showcase the importance of its inclusion and consideration in the future editions of the games as well, Samoa and Fiji provided the perfect examples of why its so much needed as they both register victories over much fancied Vanuatu on the opening day of action from ICC East Asia-Pacific group A qualifiers in Suva, Fiji.
Tournament favourites to advance to the EAP regional finals and the highest ranked team in the region, Papua New Guinea did not face such travesties as they managed to win both their matches against Fiji and Samoa with comfortable margins to go on top of the points table with Fiji and Samoa behind on one victory each.
Vanuatu, who now have much to do in the remaining 4 matches in the competition, will look to bounce back on 2nd day of the event to stay in contention to claim one of the two qualification spots available in the East Asia-Pacific regional finals in 2019.
PNG’s Tony Ura scored a rare T20 century in the game against Samoa to set-up the big total on board and Chad Soper’s 4-wicket haul dented Samoa’s chase in the 2nd innings. However, both Samoa matches saw good performances from their captain Benjamin Mailata and Auckland’s Sean Solia, as a good disciplined bowling performance saw them triumph over Vanuatu in their 2nd match of the day.
Both matches between Samoa and Fiji will have big implications on how the teams stand at the end of the double round-robin league tournament and finish in the top 2. Samoa does have the advantage of having T20 experienced overseas players in Sean Solia and Australia based pair of Michael brothers, Andrew and Dominic in their ranks.
Brief Scores:
Vanuatu 143/9 in 20 overs (Nalin Nipiko 47, Jamal Vira 20, Joshua Rasu 18, Kitiano Tavo 3/19, Jikoi Kida 2/15, Tukana Tavo 2/39) lost to Fiji 145/7 in 20 overs (Metuisela Beitaki 52, Maciu Gauna 28, Peni Vuniwaqa 17 n.o, Patrick Matautaava 3/23, Wesley Viraliliu 2/23) by 3 wickets
Papua New Guinea 209/8 in 20 overs (Tony Ura 120, Charles Amini 25, Norman Vanua 20, Sese Bau 20, Naa Vaasili 2/8, Sean Solia 1/31, Dom Michael 1/36) beat Samoa 129/7 in 20 overs (Sean Solia 39, Benjamin Mailata 35, Chad Soper 4/10, Damien Ravu 1/17, John Reva 1/17) by 80 runs
Papua New Guinea 188/8 in 20 overs (Assad Vala 70, Jason Kila 36, Sese Bau 31, Tony Ura 20, Jikoi Kida 3/23, Peni Vuniwaqa 3/38, Tukana Tavo 1/21) beat Fiji 113/9 in 20 overs (Seru Tupou 46, Peni Vuniwaqa 25, Norman Vanua 3/18, John Reva 2/22, Charles Amini 1/12, Jason Kila 1/12) by 75 runs
Samoa 144/6 in 20 overs (Benjamin Mailata 57, Andrew Michael 35, Dom Michael 19, Daniel Burgess 19, Nalin Nipiko 4/37, Patrick Matautaava 1/21) beat Vanuatu 127 all out in 19 overs (Joshua Rasu 52, Clement Tommy 23, Lester Evile 4/8, Sean Solia 4/28, Benjamin Mailata 2/5) by 17 runs
