Published: Feb 23, 2017, 01:23 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 23, 2017, 01:23 PM (IST)
Vanuatu recorded a comfortable win over Pacific rivals Samoa on day three of the 2017 ICC World Cricket League Qualifier – East Asia-Pacific, while Fiji had a close win over Japan. On a warm and sunny morning in Bendigo, Vanuatu won the toss against Samoa and chose to bat on a flat pitch at the Queen Elizabeth Oval. Openers Jonathon Dunn (66) and Joshua Rasu (22) got Vanuatu off to the perfect start with a fifty-run opening stand. There was no relief for Samoa’s bowlers when Patrick Matautaava came to the crease for a quick-fire 30, including three fours and one six. ICC World Cricket League Qualifier 2017 – East Asia-Pacific: Fiji, Vanuatu remain unbeaten
Trevor Langa (54) recorded his second half-century of the tournament as Vanuatu posted 9-264 from their 50 overs. Samoa’s chase got off to a disastrous start when Sean Cotter ran himself out for a duck on the second ball of the innings. It didn’t get any better for Samoa from there and when captain Ben Mailata (23) was caught and bowled off the bowling of Jelany Chilia, Samoa’s run chase fell apart. In the end they were bowled out for 128, giving Vanuatu a 136-run win to keep them clear of Fiji on net run rate at the top of the table.
Fiji’s five-wicket win over Japan was closer than expected after they slumped to 4-64 chasing Japan’s total of just 154. Japanese captain Masaomi Kobayashi (61 not out) continued his good form with the bat but didn’t have enough support from his teammates. Riyad Khan (3-23) and Josefa Baleicicia (3-16) did the damage with the ball for Fiji. ICC World Cricket League Qualifier 2017 – East Asia-Pacific: Vanuatu, Samoa, Fiji register early wins
Finally, the Philippines recorded their first win of the tournament, beating Indonesia by six wickets. Haider Kiana (52) top scored for the Philippines, while Daniel Smith and Jonathon Hill both picked up three wickets. Play resumes on Thursday with Vanuatu taking on Indonesia, Samoa playing Philippines and Japan playing Fiji.
The six teams are competing for a position in the ICC’s World Cricket League Division 5. All matches will be live scored through www.icc-cricket.com/world-cricket-league/east-asia-pacific. The ICC is delivering the tournament in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo and with support from the Victorian Government through the Significant Sporting Events Program. East Asia-Pacific Qualifier: ICC announces squads and fixtures
Summary of results:
Vanuatu 9 for 264 in 50 overs (Dunn 66, Langa 54, Matautaava 30, Nipiko 30) beat Samoa 128 in 40.1 overs (Kaisala 25; Chilia 3 for 26) by 136 runs.
Japan 7 for 154 in 50 overs (Kobayashi 61*, Baleicicia 3 for 16; R Khan 3 for 23) lost to Fiji 5 for 157 (Ravoka 46*, Tupou 43*, Kida 40) by 5 wickets.
Indonesia 140 in 46.4 overs (Rubbi 49*; D Smith 3 for 14, Hill 3 for 30) lost to Philippines 4 for 141 in 37.5 (Kiani 52, Hill 41) by 6 wickets.
To see the latest Points Table for the ICC World Cricket League Qualifier: East Asia Pacific, please click here.
