Host nation gets first win!

After losing their first match yesterday to Vanuatu, Samoa got some confidence back today by outplaying Japan. Samoa batted first and made a tough target of 150. Aleki Iasoni top scored for the host nation with 43, hitting 2 sixes in the double zone. Japan managed 6/81 in their run chase. The Samoa bowling attack all got one wicket, but will need to improve on their accuracy for their next match after they conceded 43 sundries.

Vanuatu continued their good form from day one to post a tough fought victory over the Cook Islands. Vanuatu made 4/133 batting first. Cook Islands bowled well in the middle of the innings but Vanuatu finished strongly. Jaxies Samuel batted solidly to make 45 not out. Cook Islands put everything into their run chase but just fell short, reaching 111 in their 20 overs. Daniel Matara was the stand out batsmen for the Cook Islands retiring on 50 after hitting 3 sixes in the double zone, which netted him 36 of his 50 runs.

PNG look like the team to beat at this early stage of the Tournament. They easily accounted for Fiji in their morning match. PNG batted first posted a score of 6/137, with Lega Siaka retiring after he reached the maximum 50 runs. Amani Jitoko was the best of the Fijian bowlers taking 4/23. Fiji was always going to find the run chase tough, and they were all bowled out for 30. PNG captain Charles Amini took the second hat trick of the Tournament, finishing with the impressive figures of 3/12.