Mansale smashes 157 as Vanuatu beats Japan

Vanuatu captain Andrew Mansale earned the rare distinction of scoring a century and taking five wickets in the same match to inspire his team to a comfortable victory over Japan on the second day of the ICC East-Asia Pacific (EAP) U/19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Port Vila, Vanuatu on Thursday.

Mansale, who played in the EAP Cup in 2005 and has also represented the region, smashed a whirlwind 157 to steer Vanuatu to 381 for 8 in 50 overs. He then returned with his offbreaks to claim 5 for 5 as Japan were shot out for 34.

Mansale was not the only one to milk the inexperienced Japanese bowling attack. Fred Timakta (61), Simpson Obed (56 not out) and Trevor Langa (23) spent good time in the middle. For Japan, Naoki Kamatani and Yosuke Higashimoto took three wickets each, conceding 49 and 71 runs respectively.

Meanwhile, at the Club Hippique, Papua New Guinea (PNG) survived a Fiji scare and eventually got home by 38 runs. PNG, batting first, was bowled out for 118 but successfully defended the small total by bowling Fiji out for 80.

Thursday's results mean that Friday's fixtures will be dress rehearsals for Sunday's matches when Vanuatu meets PNG in the final and Japan takes on Fiji in the play-off.