PNG Garamuts go down to Fiji

FIJI stunned the region with a famous five-wicket victory over pre-tournament favourites Papua New Guinea on the first day of competition at the East Asia-Pacific Under-19 tournament yesterday. 

The win puts Fiji in the box seat to qualify for the International Cricket Council’s U19 Cricket World Cup. 

In the other game, Vanuatu held off a determined Samoa to record a 15-run victory.  

The Garamuts won the toss and batted first but immediately found themselves under pressure, thanks to a blistering opening spell from Sosiceni Weleilakeba, who claimed his side’s first three wickets. 

Struggling at 33/3, Sere Sam calmed proceedings down for the Papua New Guineans with a well-made 49. 

However when he was dismissed caught-behind off a brilliant diving catch from Saimoni Tuitoga, the wheels came off the PNG innings and John Ovia’s men where summarily dismissed for 133 off 36.5 overs.

Fiji began the chase with a defensive mindset as they tried to see out the Garamuts’ pacemen.  

However once the first wicket fell to a screamer in the slips by Vagi Guba, it triggered a mini collapse and Fiji went to lunch at 25/3 off 11 overs.

However the curry on offer at lunch clearly had a positive effect on Fiji and in particular Peni Volavola who smashed 73 off 84 to set up one of the greatest wins in recent memory for Fiji. 

In the end Fiji passed PNG’s total in the 32nd over with five wickets in hand.

“It feels so great to beat a team like PNG,” Weleilakeba said. 

“I really want to thank all of my teammates for how they bowled and batted to get this win.”

Fiji coach Shane Jurgensen was buzzing after his side’s win.

“To be honest, we have had a pretty average preparation with warm up games rained out over the last week,” Jurgensen said. 

“But to sit here and watch the boys play like that gives me a lot of pride. 

“However, the other match was close too so anyone can still qualify.

“We need to remain focused for our next two games against Samoa and Vanuatu.”

The first innings of the Vanuatu and Samoa match was a genuine arm-wrestle with neither side able to capitalise on any momentum gained. 

Vanuatu kept up a steady run rate throughout however wickets continued to tumble every time a partnership looked threatening.  

They were eventually all out for 140 off 34.5 overs.