The 12th world ranked Papua New Guinea Lewas continued their unbeaten tournament run with comprehensive victories over hosts Vanuatu and Fiji on day two of the inaugural Pacific Cup on Wednesday.
The Lewas accounted for Vanuatu by 8 wickets while their afternoon victory over Fiji was by 124 runs.
After a winless first day, Samoa bounced back with two wins, over Fiji by 75 runs and then surprising hosts Vanuatu by 6 wickets in in their second game of the day.
The Pacific Cup concludes on Thursday with four more T20 Internationals as the Lewas head into the final day two wins ahead of both Samoa and Vanuatu.
Day Two Results:
PNG 115/2 (13.3 overs) Vare 39* (34) Jimmy 37 (23), A Chilia 1-6 (1.3) defeated Vanuatu 114/9 (9.4) Andrew 50 (40), Arua 5-11 (4) by 8 wickets.
A Rachel Andrew half century was the only highlight for Vanuatu, as the Lewas strangled the middle order to restrict the hosts to 114 for 9 from their 20 overs.
Lewas skipper Kaia Arua spun a web through Vanuatu's middle order, collecting 5-11 from 4 overs.
The Lewas continued to assert their Pacific Cup dominance with a commanding chase, only requiring 13.3 overs to pass the Vanuatu total, two wickets down. Naomi Are (39* from 34) was ably supported by Sibona Jimmy (37 from 23) and Many Rum (26 from 19).
Player of the match: Kaia Arua (PNG)
Player of the Match Kaia Arua took 5-11 from 4 overs in PNG's win over Vanuatu on Day 2
PNG 187/3 (20) Vare 88* (58), Ruma 36 (31), Vakuruivalu 1-32 (4) defeated Fiji 63 (14.5) Waqavakatoga 24 (34), Thomas 5-13 (3.5), Toua 3-14 (3) by 124 runs.
A Naomi Vare masterclass at the top of the order with an unbeaten 88 from 58 headlined PNG's second tournament victory over Fiji. Tanuya Ruma also contributed with 36 while the PNG off spinner Henao Thomas collected a bag taking 5-13 from 3.5 overs.
Player of the match: Naoani Vare (PNG)
Samoa 140/7 (20) Iosefo 31 (16), Telea 24 (18), Waqavakatoga 2-30 (3) defeated Fiji 65 (13.5) Muriyalo 27 (28), Aoina 4-9 (1.5) by 75 runs.
Samoa bounced back after their round one loss to Vanuatu with an emphatic 8 wicket victory. Vanuatu collapsed to 17 for 4, and only two batters reached double figures (Carlos 13, Solman 10) before the hosts were dismissed for 69 in 14.2 overs.
Samoa made light work of the chase despite a couple of wickets to off spinner Alvina Chilia.
Player of the Match: Tao Lafai (SAM)
Samoa 70/4 (13.3) Semau 16* (11), Chilia 2-27 (4) defeated Vanuatu 69 (14.2) Carlot 15 (17), Telea 3-11 (3), Lafai 3-15 (3.2) by 75 runs.
Samoa bounced back after their round one loss to Vanuatu with an emphatic 8 wicket victory. Vanuatu collapsed to 17 for 4, and only two batters reached double figures (Carlos 13, Solman 10) before the hosts were dismissed for 69 in 14.2 overs.
Samoa made light work of the chase despite a couple of wickets to off spinner Alvina Chilia.
Player of the Match: Tao Lafai (SAM)
Points Table (4 of 12 matches completed)
Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
PNG | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 | +5.850 |
Samoa | 4 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +0.430 |
Vanuatu | 4 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +0.257 |
Fiji | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | -5.688 |
REMAINING FIXTURES: THU 6 OCT PNG v Samoa 9.30am VCG 1 Fiji v Vanuatu 9.30am VCG 2 PNG v Vanuatu 1.30pm VCG 1 Fiji v Samoa 1.30pm VCG 2
All scores and stats: https://www.crichq.com/competitions/15181/draws/57121/rounds
The Pacific Cup
A joint initiative between the four competing nations and with assistance from the ICC, New Zealand Cricket and with plans to expand the event in future editions the Pacific Cup will see the four teams each play six T20 Internationals over three match days on the 3, 5, & 6 October 2022.
Each team will play double headers each day with games commencing from 9.30AM and 1.30PM at the Vanuatu Cricket Grounds near Korman. Entrance is free for all spectators. Whichever team finishes on top of the ladder at tournament's end will be crowned champions.
The schedule for the inaugural Pacific Cup
ABC Pacific Beat story with interviews: https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/pacificcupcricket/101489440 Further information regarding live streaming will be released in due course.