Vanuatu record first win

Vanuatu recorded their first victory of the ICC EAP Cricket Trophy in Auckland, with a win on the second day, while Japan and the Cook Islands continued their winning form.

Vanuatu bounced back from their Round 1 defeat with a comfortable victory against Samoa. The young side made 200 for 9 after being sent in, with opening batsman Frederick Timakata (44) topscoring. Konelio Faillagi (3 for 23 off 10 overs) was the pick of the Samoan bowlers who toiled hard on a good batting surface. Samoa’s run-chase started disastrously and never really recovered despite a plucky 55 from Ben Mailata. Samoa were eventually dismissed for 108 in the 26th over. The fast bowler Kenneth Natapei (2 for 10 off 7 overs) was well supported by spinners Andrew Mansale (3 for 23 off 4 overs) and Simpson Obed (2 for 2 off 1.1 overs) in an even bowling display.

Tonga batted against the Cook Islands but were on the back foot when Dunu Eliaba (4 for 15 off 6 overs) claimed the first of four wickets in the fifth over. Sione Holi (31) provided some middle-order resistance before Eliaba and fellow paceman Chris Brown (3 for 16 off 5.1 overs) returned to dismiss Tonga for 101 in only the 26th over. Cook Islands made light work of the run-chase in just 15 overs. Eliaba (28no) completed a Man of the Match double with Pita Glassie (31) and Tino Etita (21no) also chipping in.

Japan joined the Cook Islands on the undefeated list with an impressive 8-wicket victory against Indonesia. Opening bowler Patrick Giles-Jones (3 for 15 off 7 overs) had Indonesia reeling at 4 for 38 and Indonesia were eventually dismissed for 105. Japan's opening batsman Gavin Beath (53) wasted no time in chasing the small total with a swashbuckling half-century that included eight fours and one six. Masaomi Kobayashi (23 not out) continued his good form from Round 1 to guide Japan over the line.