Vanuatu produced the best batting performance of the ICC World Cricket League Qualifier – East Asia-Pacific in its commanding win over Samoa.
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The match at the QEO was expected to be a danger game for the top-of-the-table Vanuatu squad, but it was all one-way traffic.
Vanuatu’s attacking mindset with the bat and brilliant running between wickets took the game away from the Samoans.
Openers Jonathon Dunn (66) and Joshua Rasu (22) got Vanuatu off to the perfect start with a 50-run opening stand.
There was no relief for Samoa’s bowlers when Patrick Matautaava came to the crease for a quickfire 30, including three fours and one six.
Trevor Langa (54) recorded his second half-century of the tournament as Vanuatu posted 9-264 from its 50 overs.
Samoa’s chase got off to a disastrous start when Sean Cotter ran himself out for a duck on the second ball of the innings.
It didn’t get any better for Samoa from there and when captain Ben Mailata (23) was caught and bowled off the bowling of Jelany Chilia, Samoa’s run chase fell apart.
In the end Samoa was bowled out for 128, giving Vanuatu a 136-run win to keep it clear of Fiji on net run rate at the head of the table.
Fiji’s five-wicket win over Japan was closer than expected after it slumped to 4-64 chasing Japan’s total of just 154.
Fiji star Seru Tupou continued his outstanding form with the bat, making an unbeaten 43 off just 31 balls. Sekove Ravoka top scored for Fiji with 46 not out.
Japanese captain Masaomi Kobayashi (61 not out) continued his good form with the bat, but didn’t have enough support from his team-mates.
Riyad Khan (3-23) and Josefa Baleicicia (3-16) did the damage with the ball for Fiji.
The Philippines recorded their first win of the tournament, beating Indonesia by six wickets.
Haider Kiana (52) top scored for the Philippines, while Daniel Smith and Jonathon Hill both picked up three wickets.
Rizky Tri Rubbi (49) batted well for Indonesia and fell just short of a well-deserved half-century.
Ladder after round three (points, net run rate) – Vabuatu 6, 3.044; Fiji 6, 0.782; Samoa 2, -0.335; Phillipines 2, -0.737; Indonesia 2, -1.045; Japan 0, -1.366.
Round four games on Thursday – Fiji v Indonesia at White Hills, Japan v Vanuatu at Strathfieldsaye, Samoa v Philippines at Weeroona Oval.
The top team at the completion of Saturday’s fifth round wins the title.