VANUATU showcased their talent on Wednesday as they made light work for Fiji to move into third place of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Japan.
The dailypost.vu reported they won the toss and chose to bat in their match against Fiji, which proved to be a good decision on their way to a score of 174.
A fourth wicket partnership of 45 between captain Bethan Viraliliu (46 off 64) and Nono Chillia (40 off 65) set up the victory for Vanuatu.
Fiji fought hard with the ball and were led by Ledua Gauna (4 for 40 off 10 overs) and Jone Valenikuila (2 for 26 off 8.5 overs), as Fiji bowled Vanuatu out in the 37th over.
In reply, Fiji never looked like chasing the target as they were dismantled for just 55 inside 30 overs.
It was a well-rounded performance for the Vanuatu bowlers, with each of the four bowlers used picking up at least two wickets, Edwell Kalfau (3 for 19 off 7 overs) and Nono Chillia (3 for 10 off 7.4 overs) returning the best figures.
Nono Chillia, player of the Match for Vanuatu, was very thankful for the coaching and support he has received.
“This is close to the best day of my life, this tournament is such a good opportunity and it’s an honour and I’m so happy.
I want to say thank you to my coach,” he said.
In the other match for the day, Papua New Guinea survived a late scare from Samoa to remain undefeated.
Winning the toss and batting first seemed a good choice as Samoa’s openers survived an early onslaught from PNG’s quicks.
But once the first wicket fell at 29 it was quick work for PNG bowling Samoa out for 109, with Eisa Eka (4 for 14 off 10 overs) both miserly and destructive.
Mavara Hekure (40 off 44) was the pick of the batters again for PNG as they chased down the total in the 21st over.
Samoa managed to pick up six (6) wickets giving PNG a small scare but in the end did not have enough runs on the board.
The ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 2019 is taking place in Sano, Japan from June 2 to 8 and features teams from Fiji, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Vanuatu.
The top team will qualify for the 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup to be held in South Africa in 17 January to 9 February 2020.
Summary score: Vanuatu 174 (36.5) Viraliliu 46, Chillia 40, Gauna 4/40 (10) defeated Fiji 55 (28.4) Chillia 3/10 (7.4), Kalfau 3/19 (7) by 119 runs.
Samoa 109 (38.1) Rarotoga 30, Eka 4/14 (10) defeated by PNG 6/100 (20.3) Hekure 40 by 4 wickets
