Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu start with wins

Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu opened their campaigns with comprehensive wins over Japan and Fiji respectively in the East-Asia Pacific Under-19 World Cup qualifying tournament at Vanuatu on Wednesday.

Japan won the toss and chose to bat against favourites Papua New Guinea at Kazaa Field but were bundled out for a mere 37 runs which included 19 extras. Papua New Guinea reached the modest target in four overs without losing any wicket with Alfred Amini hitting a rapid 20. The Papua New Guinean wicketkeeper, Arua Dikana, impressed taking two catches and effecting two stumpings.

Hosts Vanuatu made an equally impressive start when they defeated Fiji by nine wickets in front of a big crowd at the Independence Park. After choosing to bat, Fiji soon found themselves struggling at 31 for 4 as Vanuatuan opening bowler Victor Aru tore through their top order. Allrounders Andrew Mansale and Selwyn Garae then chimed in with three and two wickets respectively as Fiji were bowled out for 84. Vanuatu raced to their target in just 18 overs as Mansale top-scored with an unbeaten 32.

The East-Asia Pacific U-19 World Cup qualifying tournament features only these four nations. The two teams finishing at the top of the table after a round-robin league stage will contest the finals. The winner of the tournament will get a berth in next year's U-19 World Cup to be held in Malaysia.