Papua New Guinea new ICC Pacifica Cricket champions!

The 2002 ICC Pacifica Cricket Championships completed today with Papua New Guinea defeating Tonga in the Final. The tournament was held as part of the ICC's Global Development Program to progress the game in non-Test nations, and in particular the East Asia - Pacific Region Program. National teams from the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa & Vanuatu also competed in Apia, Samoa, under One Day International rules & playing conditions on three new purpose built cricket grounds.

Both Finalists were undefeated in the Preliminary Rounds. Tonga won the toss and batted and was all out 89 in 41.3 overs. Tongan captain, Selusalema Vite, top scored with 29. Noel Kariko was again the destroyer with 4/17. In reply, PNG passed the total three wickets down in 16 overs. In the 3rd & 4th place play-off, Fiji defeated the Cook Islands with a hat-trick by Taione Batina thrilling the crowd. In the 5th & 6th place play off, the hosts Samoa defeated Vanuatu.

PLAYER OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Opening bowler from Papua New Guinea, Noel Kariko.

TEAM OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The following Pacifica XI was announced at the closing ceremony where PNG received their trophy from the Prime Minister of Samoa:

Rarua Dikana - Captain (Papua new Guinea)
Taione Batina (Fiji)
Chris Brown (Cook Islands)
Geoff Clarke (Samoa)
Sione Holi (Tonga)
Noel Kariko (Papua New Guinea)
Richard Leka (Papua New Guinea)
George Reganvanu (Vanuatu)
Colin Rika (Fiji)
Steeven Selefan (New Caledonia)
Savelio Tamale (Tonga)
Selusalema Vite (Tonga)

SUMMARY SCORES FOR FINALS
Tonga 89 (Noel Kariko 4/17) lost to Papua New Guinea 3/91

Fiji 212 (Iniasi Cakacaka 48, Waisake Tukana 37, Tuakana Marukore 3/24, Dunu Eliaba 3/27) defeated Cook Islands 55 (26.5 overs) (Taione Batina 4/17)

Samoa 223 (Sipiliona Tua 87, Pierre Chillia 4/31) defeated Vanuatu 137 (38.2 overs) (Niko Apa 3/26)