The 2002 ICC Pacifica Cricket Championships resumed today after two rest days. Yesterday, all teams took part in the march-past for Samoa's 40th anniversary of Independence celebrations and in the evening all players attended extensive cricket education seminars delivered by first-class cricket umpires, players and conditioning experts. The tournament is part of the ICC's Global Development Program to progress the game in non-Test nations, and in particular the East Asia - Pacific Region Program. National teams from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga & Vanuatu are all competing in Apia, Samoa, under One Day International rules & playing conditions on three new purpose built cricket grounds.
Today, Papua New Guinea completed a comprehensive "clean sweep" of their tri-series versus Fiji and has thus earned a place in tomorrow's Final. Their opponent will be Tonga, who too have been dominant and finished the Preliminary Rounds undefeated against all four opposing nations and top of the ladder in Group B.
Fiji won the toss and batted and was all out 78 with Colin Rika the only shining light, 44 not out. Noel Kariko and Rarua Dikana got three wickets a piece. In reply, Papua New Guinea finished 2/81 from 15 overs with Richard Leka 41 not out.
Host country Samoa bowled well to dismiss Tonga for 135, the first time they had not seen out their full 50 overs. Sinaumea Laumea took 3/36. In the run chase, Samoa fell short all out for 76 off 33 overs. Savelio Tamale did the damage for Tonga with 5/14 and Sione Holi took 3/12.
The Cooks Islands posted a big total of 7/357 versus New Caledonia with Timothy Katoa falling just four runs short of a century. Steeven Selefen took 3/58 for New Caledonia who were all out 43 from 15 overs in reply. Cooks Vice-Captain, Dunu Eliaba, took an amazing 9/16 from 8 overs (seven bowled).
In the 3rd & 4th place play-off tomorrow, Fiji will play the Cook Islands and for 5th & 6th the home team, Samoa, will take on Vanuatu in what should all be great matches.
SUMMARY SCORES FOR DAY 5
Fiji 78 (Colin Rika 44*, Noel Kariko 3/17, Rarua Dikana 3/17) lost to Papua New Guinea 2/81 (Richard Leka 41*)
Tonga 135 (Sinaumea Laumea 3/36) defeated Samoa 76 (Savelio Tamale 5/14, Sione Holi 3/12)
Cook Islands 7/357 (Timothy Katoa 96, Mou Marurai 63*, Joe Joseph 40, Chris Brown 31, Steeven Selefen 3/58) defeated New Caledonia 43 (Dunu Eliaba 9/16)
TABLE STANDINGS AFTER DAY 5 / END OF PRELIMINARY ROUNDSGROUP AGROUP B1. Papua New Guinea6 points1. Tonga8 points2. Fiji0 points2. Cook Islands6 points3. Samoa4 points4. Vanuatu2 points5. New Caledonia0 points