Faivakimoana's 144 leads Tonga past RI, into finals
Faivakimoana's 144 leads Tonga past RI, into finals
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
An amazing display of power by Tongan opening batsman Maunaloa
Faivakimoana almost single-handedly saw Tonga defeat Indonesia by
eight wickets in the third round of the ICC EAP Cricket Challenge
on Thursday in Japan.
Faivakimoana scored 144 not out from 94 balls, including 12
fours and 13 sixes, in an awesome performance that helped Tonga
secure the victory with 23 overs to spare.
With the win Tonga qualified for Saturday's final against
Fiji, the tournament's organizing committee in Fuji City, Japan,
said on Friday.
Indonesia won the toss and opted to bat in the morning
session, getting off to a strong start by losing only two wickets
for 98 runs in the first 24 overs. Ray Elliott hit a solid 47 to
open the batting.
A 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket between John
Stevenson (60) and Wilfred Schultz (53) saw Indonesia in a strong
position at 4 for 196 with eight overs remaining.
Tonga fought back late in the innings however and Indonesia
lost its last six wickets for just 30 runs, being dismissed in
the 49th over with a competitive total of 226.
Tongan captain Selusalema Vite was the best of the bowlers,
picking up three wickets for 30 runs from 9.1 overs.
An opening stand of 140 runs in 16 overs between Faivakimoana
and Viliami Tupouniua (30) dominated the Tongan innings, with
Faivakimoana's hitting display giving the spectators several
highlights.
Faivakimoana's individual total of 144 not out is the highest
sore of the tournament so far and will give the Tongan team a
great confidence boost going into Saturday's final against Fiji.
Man of the match Faivakimoana said after the game: "I am
obviously delighted with this score, but am as delighted with our
win. After losing the first game it has been a difficult
challenge to win the last two matches and qualify for the final.
"Now that this has been done, however, we will go into
Saturday's game ready to perform at our best."
Friday is a rest day in the ICC EAP Cricket Challenge, before
Fiji and Tonga face off on Saturday, with the winner earning a
place in the ICC World Cup Qualifying Series Divisional
Tournament in Malaysia. In the other game on Saturday, Japan will
take on Indonesia.