Gold all but in the bag for PNG

PAPUA New Guinea completed the demolition job in the Pacific Games cricket competition with a crushing seven wicket win over Fiji yesterday.
Fiji, winning the toss and batting, had no answer to the Inoa Baeau and Joel Tom-led attack and were bundled out for 91 in 19.2 overs.
The Fijian lower order pair of Maciu Guana (26) and Sekove Ravoka (22) were the only batsmen who looked like they were capabale of taking the best of Baeau and company.
Guana’s two huge sixes in the 14th over had the PNG bowlers but other than those pyrotechnics the Fijian cupboard of best cricket shots was laid bare by PNG’s incisive attack.
Baeau returned 1-8 off his three overs and Tom took 2-24. But it was spinner Jason Kila who had the best haul of 3-21 off three overs and John Boge took 2-3 off two overs.
PNG reached the target in the 13th over with Assad Vala 19, Tony Ura 12, Kapena Arua 15, Vani Vagi 11 not out and Jack Vare 22 not out sharing the run chase.
In truth, PNG was expecting some kind of test, however, after Fiji’s capitulation in the first innings there was really no challenge with batsmen selling their wickets cheaply for chasing outrageous shots and coming undone.
Fijian paceman Viliame Yabaki returned figures of 1-13 to be their best bowler on the day for his side.
PNG will now face Fiji tomorrow in the final and barring a miraculous dip in fortunes should claim their sixth straight gold medal at the Pacific Games.