Fiji book finals berth with crushing defeat of Indonesia
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
After an impressive Round 1 victory over Pacific rival Tonga, Fiji on Wednesday asserted further dominance over the ICC EAP Cricket Challenge in Fuji City, defeating Indonesia by 240 runs.
With two wins from two matches, Fiji is now guaranteed a place in Saturday's final, a report from the organizing committee said on Thursday.
Upon winning the toss for a second time, Fiji batted first and commenced at a blistering pace, reaching 1 for 83 from 13 overs. The Fiji innings was anchored by opener, and man of the match, Seci Sekinini, who scored 92 from 107 balls, including 7 fours and 1 six.
Number 3 batsman Jikoivanualevu Kida (59) joined forces with Sekinini for a 109 run 2nd wicket partnership, while Neil Maxwell followed on from his 71 on Day 1, to score 74.
A whirlwind 52 from 25 balls from Maika Kamikamica finished off the Fiji innings, and at the conclusion of 50 overs, Fiji had registered a massive 6 for 362.
The pick of Indonesia's bowlers was Bernadus Elly who took 3 for 57 from 10 overs.
Indonesia's reply was in early trouble with Cameron Knox being bowled for 0. However, Robert Hindmarsh (20) and Wilfred Schultz (56) fought back steadily with a 40 run partnership
At 3 for 90 from 23 overs, a competitive total looked possible. However, a procession of middle and lower order wickets saw Indonesia dismissed for 122 in the 38th over.
Fiji coach Taione Cakacaka commented after the game,
"I was very happy with our batting today, and after a good win against Tonga yesterday we really feel confident about the remainder of this tournament. Now that we have qualified for the final, I hope we can continue to perform consistently in the final two matches."
Fiji now take on tournament host Japan who are yet to record a win in the tournament, while Indonesia play Tonga. The winner of this match will play Fiji in the final on Saturday.
In another match on the day, Tonga avenged their Round 1 defeat at the hands of Fiji, by overcoming tournament hosts Japan by 33 runs on day 2 of the 2004 ICC EAP Cricket Challenge.
Tonga plays Indonesia on Friday in what will effectively be a semifinal encounter, with the winner qualifying for Saturday's final against Fiji.
Tonga won the toss and batted first on a crisp morning at the Fujigawa ground at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The innings were evenly poised on several occasions, as an enthusiastic Japanese fielding and bowling display competed well with a determined Tongan battling line up.
Five Tongan batsmen scored over 20, while number three batsman Sione Pese top scored with 38. Opener Mark Ferris was the pick of Japan's bowlers taking 2 for 31.