15 May 2012

Sport: Japan, PNG and Vanuatu make perfect start at cricket champs

10:36 am on 15 May 2012

Japan have begun the defence of their East Asia Pacific Women's Cricket title in perfect fashion, with an unbeaten start on day one in Port Vila.

After opening with a clinical 10-wicket demolition of Cook Islands, Japan were

made to work against Samoa.

Captain Ema Kuribayashi struck 49 as Japan made 111 from their 20 overs, with Samoa falling nine runs shy of victory.

Also unbeaten on day one were Papua New Guinea and hosts Vanuatu.

In the opening match of the tournament, PNG set Samoa just 85 runs to win but after being well-poised at 2-54 the loss of regular wickets stalled saw Samoa dismissed for 77 in the final over.

PNG then found their gear - thrashing Fiji by 80 runs in the afternoon.

Vanuatu also proved to strong for Fiji, and in the process chalked up their first ever international victory, before shading Cook Islands by nine runs in the afternoon.