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.