Vanuatu U19s fall short against Samoa after late fightback
After yesterday’s heroics in defending 108 against Indonesia, the Interchange Vanuatu Under-19 Men’s National Cricket Team went down to Samoa by four wickets in their second match of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division Two Qualifier at the Vanuatu Cricket Grounds.
Vanuatu won the toss and elected to bat for the second day in a row, making a much calmer and steadier start than they had the day before. At 96 for 4 they appeared well placed to build a competitive total, but a dramatic collapse saw the final six wickets fall for just 10 runs.
The fifth wicket fell at 96, followed by wickets at 103, 103, 105, 106 and 106, as Vanuatu were dismissed for 106 in 30.4 overs.
Batting at number three, captain Surya Lekai top-scored with 24 from 50 balls, including one four and one six, while Greg Melton contributed 21 from 24 balls with three boundaries.
Samoa captain Joshua McNaughton was the standout bowler, claiming 4/17 from 7.4 overs.
Defending 106, Vanuatu made a promising start when Samoa lost their first wicket at 29 and their second at 32. The third wicket did not fall until 83, however, before Vanuatu struck again at 97, 98 and 101 to leave Samoa six wickets down and briefly raise hopes of another remarkable comeback.
It was not to be, with Samoa completing the chase to win by four wickets.
Melton was again impressive with the ball, taking 2/44 from nine overs, while captain Surya Lekai returned 2/24 from 9.5 overs. Wicketkeeper Chad Nataivai then produced an impressive all-round contribution, taking off the gloves to bowl his Sunil Narine-like spin and finishing with 1/20 from six overs, including a maiden.
Thursday is a rest day before Vanuatu face tournament favorites, the Papua New Guinea Garamuts, on VCG Number One on Friday. Indonesia will meet Samoa in the other final round-robin fixture.
Following the single round-robin stage, the top two teams will progress to Saturday’s final, while the third and fourth-placed teams will contest the playoff on VCG Number Two on Friday. The winner of Saturday’s final will advance to the Division One Under-19 Men’s Qualifier.
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