Lily Mulivai lead her team to victory. Photo:SUPPLIED
A potential preview for the Women’s Cricket gold medal match is in store tomorrow morning, following Samoa’s crushing nine-wicket win over Fiji.
Brilliant swing bowling and massive hitting from all-rounder Lily Mulivai ensured the Samoans a berth in the medal playoffs at the very least.
“We’re really excited to face PNG. We know they’re a solid team but we’re ready to take the challenge and win,” Mulivai said.
The Auckland-based star demolished Fiji’s top order with 3-8 before smashing their attack to all parts with 59.
“Having just got over an injury, it was a good feeling. To have the team supporting me was a bonus,” Mulivai said.
“I had shin splints as well as a fractured shin bone, so I was pretty much out for 10 weeks and had to do a lot of rehab before the tournament here in PNG.”
Meanwhile, PNG’s Konio Oala has become the second century-maker at an East Asia-Pacific women’s tournament with a scintilating unbeaten 108 off just 65 balls.
New Caledonia was no match for the rempant Lewas, falling 132 runs short.
Vanuatu has turned around a disappointing start to its Pacific Games by winning both of its matches today, accounting for New Caledonia and Cook Islands.
It was the bowlers who did the job for Vanuatu while defending small totals, with five wickets from Leimauri Chilia and three from Selina Solman in the respective victories.
They’ll face Fiji tomorrow afternoon at Amini Park in the final match of the group stage, a crucial battle for third place and consequently a spot on the podium.
Round 3 Match Summaries
Match 9
Vanuatu 9/107 (20) Selina Solman (41), Valenta Langiatu (26), Emma Malla (2/18) defeated New Caledonia 10/47 (15.2) Elsie Kecine (10), Leimauri Chilia (5/7), Selina Solman (2/3) by 60 runs.
Round 4 Match Summaries
Match 10
Fiji 6/92 (20) Ruci Muriyalo (21*), Alicia Dean (17), Lily Mulivai (3/8), Marita Paulo (2/11) defeated by Samoa 1/93 (10.2) Sinei Lilu Mulivai (59*), Lagi Telea (29*), Marica Vua (1/25) by 9 wickets.
Match 11
Papua New Guinea 3/194 (20) Konio Oala (108*), Varoi Morea (42) defeated New Caledonia 47 Louisa Wawine (15), Boni David (4/10), Tanya Ruma (3/9) by 132 runs.
Match 12
Vanuatu 8/104 (20) Selina Solman (34), Leimauri Chilia (31), Malokuu Mataora (2/7) defeated Cook Islands 7/74 (20) Mirioni Rivaia (18), Selina Solman (3/9), Valenta Langiatu (3/11) by 30 runs.
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