The hosts secured their fifth consecutive win in five matches in the regional final of the ICC T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier being played in Papua New Guinea and also qualified for next year’s T20 World Cup. Papua New Guinea today beat Philippines by 100 runs in a one-sided match, while in another match Vanuatu upset Japan by 5 wickets.
In the 10th match of the tournament, Papua New Guinea scored a mammoth 229/6 in 20 overs, in response to which the Philippines could only manage 129/7 in 20 overs. Papua New Guinea’s Tony Ura was named player of the match for his blistering 61 off 31 balls, while skipper Asad Vala scored 59 off 39 balls and Charles Amini scored 53 off 27 balls. In the end Hiri Hiri played an astonishing unbeaten innings of 20 runs in just 4 balls. In bowling, Kabua Moriya was the top pick for PNG with two wickets, while Hiri Hiri and John Kariko took one wicket each.
Earlier in the ninth match, Japan scored 136 runs in 19.5 overs while playing first, in response to which Vanuatu achieved a thrilling win by losing 5 wickets in 19.3 overs. Vanuatu’s Nalin Nipiko (4/28 & 50 balls 74*) was adjudged player of the match for his all-round performance.
Hosts Papua New Guinea will face Japan and the Philippines will face Vanuatu on the last day of the tournament on 29 July. Papua New Guinea was a strong contender to qualify for the T20 World Cup from this region and they justified it. On the last day, they will be eyeing 6 consecutive wins in 6 matches.