Vanuatu are firm favourites for the Pacific Games men’s cricket gold medal after a second close fought win over PNG at Bisini heading into the final day of round games.
They made it 4 wins from 4 games as they overcame a rejuvenated PNG side by just 7 runs.
PNG’s bowlers turned up after a below par performance on Tuesday to restrict Vanuatu to just 115 off their 20 overs after Vanuatu won the toss and elected to bat. Kabua Vagi Morea was tight with the ball taking 2/18 from his 4 overs and PNG were back to their best in the field with 2 run outs and some excellent catches.
However, Vanuatu were determined to make it back to back wins and Patrick Matautaava responded with the wicket of PNG captain Chris Amini in the first over. Riley Hekure (41) and Dogodo Bau (23) steadied things to take it 2/58 and PNG looked to be well on track to victory.
Vanuatu’s bowlers had other ideas and the introduction of Jelany Chilia (3/18) quickly turned the momentum as PNG lost 7/22 to be left 7 runs short at the end of the 20 overs.
In the morning matches PNG and Vanuatu both recorded comfortable wins against Tonga and New Caledonia respectively while Tonga had their second successive win over an enthusiastic New Caledonia in the afternoon.
Today is a rest day for cricket with matches resuming tomorrow at Amini Park.
Round 3
Vanuatu 7/285 (20) Nalin Nipiko 105, Ronald Tari 69, Simpson Obed 32, Joseph Nigote 2/57 defeated New Caledonia 9/51 (14.2) Emmanuel Katrawi 15*, Simpson Obed 2/7 , Shem Sala 2/7 by 234 runs
PNG 9/190 (20) Jason Kila 74, Riley Hekure 47, Sione Manumuna 3/26, Timote Latu 2/37 defeated New Caledonia 10/76 (20) Aloisio Pau’u 22, Maamaloa Kuluka 21, Jason Kila 3/7, Alei Nao 2/15 by 114 runs
Round 4
Tonga 3/222 (20) Nicolasi Moala 86, Aloisio Pau’u 60, Nicholls Adjouhgniope 2/57 defeated New Caledonia 10/162 (19.3) Jonathan Lapacas 57*, David Magulu 21, Asiake Haukinima 3/9, Paula Palu 3/135 by 60 runs
Vanuatu 9/115 (20) Jonathon Dunn 41, Andrew Mansale 32, Simpson Obed 32, Kabua Vagi Morea 2/18, Hiri Hiri 2/20 defeated PNG 9/108 (20) Riley Hekure 41, Dogodo Bau 23, Jelany Chillia 3/18, Simpson Obed 2/13 by 7 runs
Pacific Games Points Table:
