Vanuatu upset PNG by 28 runs

 THE opening game of men’s T20 cricket competition, which started yesterday at the Amini Park, saw Vanuatu upset the home side Papua New Guinea by 28 runs. 

In fine conditions fit for cricket, the Vanuatu batsmen did not waste a minute at the crease. 

Nalin Nipiko (40), Andrew Mansale (28) and Patrick Matautaava (27) led the way with the willow for the visitors, while Kabua Vagi Morea (4/20) and Hiri Hiri (3/18) stood out for PNG with the ball.

Vanuatu reached 172 runs from its 20 overs and PNG openers Chris Amini and Riley Hekure got the run rate to 12 an over after the first five overs. 

Vanuatu captain Andrew Mansale put the squeeze on the run rate with the use of his slow bowlers from the sixth over onwards and this put Hekure and Amini under some pressure as the runs dried up.

Pacemen Patrick Matautaava added his seam to good effect, further tying down the PNG pair and Hekure was run out trying to keep the score ticking.

Batsman Jason Kila was removed for 11 by Matautaava and the PNG run rate continued to head south as Vanuatu sensed victory in the offing. PNG finally finished at 144/6 and Vanuatu coach Shane Deitz said his side would take a lot of confidence from the performance in their remaining matches.

Deitz credited his bowlers for building pressure with consistent line and length while the fielding was sharp.

PNG skipper Amini said his side could have performed better in the first innings but they bowled and fielded poorly allowing the Vanuatu batsmen reach a big target. 

PNG however redeemed themselves in their second game belting underdogs New Caledonia by 225 runs while Vanuatu maintained a perfect record easily accounting for Tonga by 10 wickets.

Hekure posted his first T20 ton (139) while Amini (53) and Kila (49) released some of their disappointment on the hapless New Caledonians hitting boundaries and clearing the fence almost at will.  

Vanuatu’s Simpson Obed bagged a four-for (4/11) and Matautaava a treble (3/9) accounted for the Tongan wickets.  

Results:  Round 1: Vanuatu 9/172 (20) Nalin Nipiko 40, Andrew Mansale 28, Kabua Vagi Morea 4/20  Hiri Hiri 3/18 defeated PNG A 6/144 (20) Christopher Amini 80, Riley Hekure 33, Patrick Matautaava 4/25 by 28 runs.

Tonga 176 (19.4) Aloisio Pau’u 49, Lea Tenisi 41, Efalame Laumape 24, Nicolas Magulu 3/16, defeated New Caledonia 6/139 (20) Steeve Tchidopoane 36, Nicolas Magulu 33, Timote Latu 2/18 by 37 runs

Round 2: Tonga 55 (15.4) Aloisio Pau’u 13, Simpson Obed 4/11, Patrick Matautaava 3/9 defeated by Vanuatu 0/58 (3.1) Ronald Tari 35* by 10 wickets; PNG A 3/259 (20) Riley Hekure 139, Chris Amini 53, Jason Kila 49 defeated New Caledonia 34 (9.4 overs) Emmanuel Katrawi 13*, Alei Nao 4/0, Kabua Vagi Morea 3/12 by 225 runs