PNG draws first blood against Japan in Brian Bell EAP Women's Challenge opener

In warm and windy conditions, Papua New Guinea secured victory over Japan by 57 runs in the first of three 50-over matches for the Brian Bell EAP Women's Cricket Challenge held at Amini Park in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Following the pre-match formalities, which included the Japanese Ambassador sending down the opening delivery of the tournament to Papua New Guinea Cricket Patron and major sponsor Sir Brian Bell, the Papua New Guinea team opened the batting having won the toss.

With a quick outfield and warm conditions the Papua New Guinea openers were able to survive a promising opening spell by Japan's left-arm quick Shizuka Sato and Ritsuko Hiroto to set the foundation for an imposing innings with a solid 78 run opening partnership.

An excellent catch by Kuribayashi dismissed PNG's leading run-scorer Hebou Morea for a well compiled 52, and put the brakes on the PNG run-rate.

After getting her eye in PNG captain Kune Amini provided valuable late innings contributing 46 not out, which included the bulk of the 18 runs from the last over.

PNG finished on 4-175 from the full 50 overs, with Shizuka Sato being the pick of the bowlers with 1-22 from her 9 overs.

Chasing 175 was always going to be a challenging task and after a slow start where Japan slumped to 4-30 from 21 overs the task was all the more difficult. Player of the match, Konio Heagi (2 for 11 from 9 overs), opened the bowling for PNG and with the aid of some late outswing she had the Japanese top order on the ropes.

A strong fifth wicket partnership of 80 breathed life back in the Japanese innings as Shizuka Kubota (55) and Mariko Yamamoto (37 not out) started to push for quick singles and then started to find the boundary line.

In the finals overs, a couple of late wickets fell as the Japanese team finished their 50 overs on 6-119.

The second match is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday 13th September. It is expected that with the experience gained from playing in PNG and settling in a foreign Country, the Japanese team could still take it right up to the home team in the following 2 matches.

At stake is the right to represent the East Asia Pacific Region in the 2007 ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers, from where teams have the opportunity to qualify for the 2009 World Cup to be held in Australia.

Match Score Summary

PNG 4 - 175 from 50 overs

Hebou Morea 52, Kune Amini 46 not out, Bari Mea 23, Shizoka Sato,1-22 from 9 overs Mariko Yamamoto, 1-22 from 5 overs

Japan 6 - 119 from 50 overs

Shizuka Kubota 55, Mariko Yamamoto 37 not out, Konio Heagi, 1 - 11 from 9 overs, Boni David 1 - 19 from 10 overs