The Papua New Guinea women cricketers drew first blood in the Brian Bell EAP Womens cricket challlenge opener beating Japan by 57 runs, in warm windy conditions in Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea who won the toss and elected to bat got off to a solid start with a 78 run opening partnership.
PNG finished on 175 for four from their 50 overs and then bowled Japan out for 119 for six.
The winner of the Challenge will represent the East Asia Pacific Region in the 2007 ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers, and then have the opportunity to qualify for the 2009 World Cup in Australia.
The second of three matches will be played today.
