Fiji defeat Tonga to win ICC East Asia-Pacific Cricket Challenge 2004

After going through the preliminary rounds undefeated, Fiji continued their impressive form by defeating Tonga by 181 runs in the final of the ICC East Asia-Pacific Cricket Challenge 2004. Batting first, Fiji made an impressive 304, then bowled Tonga out in under 38 overs for 123.

Neil Maxwell capped off an impressive tournament by top scoring for Fiji with 65, while Vuetasau Vuiyasawa took 3/23 against the Tongans.

While in the playoff for 3rd and 4th, Japan won their first match of the tournament - which also was their first ever victory in 50 over international cricket - by defeating Indonesia in the consolation final by 164 runs.

Batting first, Japan managed to compile 315 runs, with Mark Ferris making 94 and Mumtaz Alam 93. Japan also impressed with the ball, with Munir Ahmed taking 5/36 and Naoaki Saida 3/30.

Scores:

Final

Fiji 6/304                 defeated          Tonga 123
N. Maxwell 65                                S. Pale 24
Waisake Tukana 44                            V. Vuetasau 3/23
S. Pese 2/45

Consolation Final

Japan 9/315                defeated          Indonesia 151
M. Ferris 94                                 R. Shakespeare 61
M. Alam 93                                   M. Ahmed 5/36
I. Suandi 2/56                               N. Saida 3/30

ICC East Asia-Pacific Cricket Challenge 2004 Team of the Tournament

Waisake Tukana (c) - Fiji
Jummei Hanada (vc) - Japan
Neil Maxwell - Fiji
Mafi Langi - Tonga
Bernadus Elli - Indonesia
Maika Kamikamita - Fiji
Maunaloa Faivakimonana - Tonga
Tatsuro Chino (wk) - Japan
John Stevenson - Indonesia
Vuetasau Vuiyasawa - Fiji
Viliami Tupouniua - Tonga
Munir Ahmed - Japan
Player of the tournament - Mafi Langi (Tonga)