Papua New Guinea continued their domination where host Fiji settled at second position on points table of ICC World Twenty20 East Asia Pacific Region Qualifier-A.
In a first of two matches of the day, host Fiji edged Samoa to collect vital 2 points. Samoa asked Fiji to bat first and restricted them at 139 runs in 20 overs, showing 8 Fiji’s batsmen way back to pavilion. Solia and Vaasili picked up 2 wickets each followed by a wicket each for Michael and Mailata. It was a Michael’s day in field as his golden arm victimised 3 Fijian, one while bowling and 2 while fielding (RunOut). Vuniwaqa topped the batting chart for Fiji with 27 runs off 22 balls. In reply, Samoa kept losing wickets in quick interval and faced etching 9 runs defeat. They were in need of 27 runs off last over. They managed to add 17 runs off it and still found themselves 9 runs short of the given task. Despite of his team’s defeat, everything was falling on right place for Michael, who scored 52 runs for Samoa with 3 fours. He was declared as player of the match for his all round contribution in this match. Tavo’s pair picked 4 wickets collectively with 2 wickets each for Fiji.
In an another match of the day, PNG humiliated Vanuatu to continue winning streak. Vanuatu invited PNG to bat first. They smashed Vanuatu for fun to put a huge total of 239 runs, losing 2 wickets. Skipper Vala scored 110 runs 50 balls with 9 sixes and 6 fours. Amini and Ura also registered half century with 61 and 51 runs respectively. Soper bagged 4 wickets to ensure that Vanuatu didn’t come near to their total. Nipiko showed fighting spirit with 84 runs in his tally but that went in vain as his team faced 81 runs defeat.
With the completion of 3 matches each, PNG hold the first spot with 6 points. Fiji is following them with 4 points. Samoa placed at 3rd with 2 points. Pointless Vanuatu is at bottom of table with 3 lose straightaway. Four matches are scheduled for 28th August as PNG and Vanuatu will face Samoa and Fiji respectively. Top two team will qualify for regional final, which will be held in 2019.
