Port Moresby [Papua New Guinea], July 23 (ANI): Tournament favourites Papua New Guinea had a superb begin on day one of many East Asia Pacific Regional Final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Qualifiers, defeating Vanuatu whereas Japan additionally clinched a victory over Philippiness.
The 19-year-old John Kariko began his T20I profession on excessive, taking 3/6 in his 4 overs to ship the group residence blissful at Amini Park on Saturday. He took wickets for Nalin Nipiko with a fuller supply that beat the batter, earlier than claiming the opposite opener Junior Kaltapau.
Kariko received his third wicket by dismissing Apolinaire Stephen (7) CJ Amini was different spinner who stood out, sending again Andrew Mansale (3) and Vanuatu captain Patrick Matautaava (0) in successive overs to complete with 2/10 from his four-over quota. These two helped PNG prohibit Vanuatu to 71/8 in 20 overs.
After early fall of Tony Ura (4), opener Kiplin Doriga (32 off 18 balls) joined with skipper Assad Vala (34 off 17) to wrap up a web run rate-boosting win for PNG.
Earlier on Saturday, Japan led by heroics of Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming clinched a 53-run win over the Philippines.
Phillippines had a really tight powerplay with the ball, however Japan later gained momentum with assist of Fleming (60 off 37 balls) and Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake (41 from 44). The pair was dropped as soon as every of their partnership of 75 runs.
The late power-hitting by all-rounder Ibrahim Takahashi (31 in 13 balls), which included three sixes and a cameo by Reo Sakurano-Thomas (14 from 9) pushed Japan to 166 runs of their 20 overs.
Sakurano-Thomas set the tone for Japan’s goal defence, getting wicket of Phillippines skipper Daniel Smith (12).
The Japan spin bowling was at its greatest, with left-arm orthodox spinner Piyush Kumbhare going for eight runs in his three overs throughout powerplay, whereas leg-spinner Sabaorish Ravichandran additionally gave away solely 13 runs in his 4 overs.
Despite one of the best efforts of Jordan Alegre (33) and Josef Doctora (28), the required run charge proved to be an excessive amount of for Philippines they usually misplaced by 53 runs.
Kumbhare (2/11) performed a vital function in Japan’s win with two essential wickets.
On day 2, Japan will play Vanuatu within the morning match, with PNG taking up the Philippines within the afternoon sport. (ANI)