Mansale Destroys Japan
A sterling performance from Vanuatu captain Andrew Mansale has elevated his side to the top of the East Asia - Pacific Under 19 World Cup Qualifying Tournament table, after Vanuatu crushed Japan by 347 runs.
Mansale hit an astonishing 157 from just 89 balls, including 21 fours, and seven sixes.
Despite hitting his country's first international hundred at any level, and then taking five wickets, it wasn't just a one-man Mansale show from Vanuatu, who continue to improve and impress as a whole team.
Also amongst the runs was Fredrick Timakata (61) and Simpson Obed (56 not out), who both played fine hands at the start and end of their team's innings respectively, as Vanuatu amassed 381 from its 50 overs, showing no mercy for the hapless Japanese bowlers.
Although the chase proved an impossible task for Japan, the visitors did manage to bat for 30 overs, but were eventually bundled out for just 34.
The massive win puts Vanuatu at the top of the WCQ Tournament table, after pre-tournament favourite Papua New Guinea was lucky to get away with a win against Fiji.
The PNG lads only managed to make 118, Heni Siaka the only batsman to show any real application, as he opened the innings with 34.
Best of the bowlers for Fiji were Viliame Manakiwai (3/21), Tukana Tavo (3/32) and Makutu Seru, who only took one wicket but continually troubled the PNG batsmen.
But PNG showed the confidence they have in their bowlers is warranted by rolling Fiji for 80, 39 runs short of the target.
Willie Gavera was the chief destroyer taking four for 22, as the Fijian batsmen failed to build any significant partnerships.
PNG take on Vanuatu tomorrow in a crucial match, between the tournament's only two undefeated teams. Despite PNG's being pre-tournament favourites, the Vanuatu boys will take a lot of confidence into the game after two big wins.
Matches Moved Forward
The U19 WCQ Tournament Technical Committee has decided to move Saturday's matches forward to Friday because of forecasted bad weather for the weekend.
Heavy rain is predicted for Saturday, so the decision to alter the schedule was made early on Thursday morning. Saturday will now be a rest day, with the finals still scheduled for Sunday.
Day Two Results
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Morning Matches
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PNG 118
H.Siaka 34
V.Manakiwai 3/21
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defeated
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Fiji 80
W.Gavera 4/22
L.Nou 2/12
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Vanuatu 8/381
A.Mansale 157
N.Kamatani 3/49
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defeated
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Japan 34
A.Mansale 5/5
S.Obed 2/1
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Last Modified on 20/07/2007 08:08
