Amini guides PNG home in thriller

Chris Amini receives Man of the Match award from ICC Event Director Chris Briers © ICC

PNG recorded a thrilling 1-wicket victory over Pacific neighbour Fiji in today's WCL Division 3 Round 1 match at Power Park in Palmerston.

Fiji Captain Seci Tuiwai won the toss and elected to bat on a wicket that looked even but provided variable bounce for the bowlers.

18-year-old opening batsmen Josefa Rika (33 off 60 balls) started the innings confidently as Fiji progressed to 2/60 off 18 overs when drinks were taken.

PNG turned to Captain Rarua Dikana (2/18 off 7 overs) and off-spinner Jamie Brazier (2/22 off 9.4) who struck twice in as many overs following the break to reduce Fiji to 4/65.

19-year-old debutant Sekove Ravoka (23 off 53) fought hard in the middle overs as his team mates fell around him.

Fiji was eventually dismissed for 138 in the 47th over. Dikana, Brazier, Inoa Baeau (2/21 off 7), Loa Nou (2/34 off 10) and John Ovia (2/13 off 7) claimed 2 wickets each for PNG.

PNG players congratulate Chris Amini © ICC

Having bowled Fiji out within 3 hours PNG was required to bat for 25 minutes prior to the lunch interval. The short session proved to be disastrous for PNG who limped to 3/12 off 4 overs before play was adjourned.

PNG's chances took a further hit immediately after lunch when Brazier (2 off 9) was trapped LBW. Mahuru Dai (4 off 20) and Assad Vala (12 off 23) came and went in quick succession and Fiji could sense an upset victory.

Vice-Captain Chris Amini (71 not out off 148) showed poise and maturity batting with the PNG tail who stood tall in their team's time of need.

Fiji claimed their ninth wicket in the 44th over with PNG still requiring 24 runs for victory and the match still firmly in the balance. Amini and 18-year-old debutant Nou (2 not out off 14) crept slowly towards the target with the former finally striking the winning runs over mid-off with 1 ball remaining in the innings.

Hitolo Areni bowls the first ball of the tournament to Josefa Rika © ICC

Amini was awarded Man of the Match honours and commented:
"I feel very proud to have contributed to our win today. Fiji bowled very well with the new ball and we had to fight hard through our innings."

Fiji Captain Seci Tuiwai commented:
"We missed an opportunity today but have made good progress since our loss to PNG on Friday (practice match). Our bowlers got us back into the game and we nearly pulled off a great victory."

Full scorecards are available here.