World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier

PNG, Japan big winners on Day 1

PNG came into the Qualifier as clear favourites having previously won the regional qualifier seven times.

Being sent into bat played into PNG’s hands as the openers put on an opening stand of 76.

Herea Kilapat (57 off 62) made light work of the Fijian attack, scoring a half-century which included eight 4s and two 6s.

Lower down the order, Player of the Match Mavara Hekure (79 off 79) kept the strike ticking over, whilst punishing the bad balls as he lifted the team’s score past the 300 mark.