Papua New Guinea (PNG) emerged as the dominant team in the East Asia Pacific T20 World Cup Qualifier Regional Final, securing a convincing 117-run victory against the Philippines.
Opting to bat first, PNG scored 162-7, with Hiri Hiri and Lega Siaka leading the charge. However, the Philippines displayed strong bowling efforts, with Kepler Lukies and others containing the hosts to 42-3 initially.
Nonetheless, a crucial 78-run partnership between Hiri and Siaka restored PNG’s advantage. In the second innings, PNG’s Kabua Morea shone with an exceptional spell of 5-3, including a hat-trick, and bowled out the Philippines for a meager 45 runs.
In the afternoon game, Japan defended their total of 131 against Vanuatu, securing a 21-run victory.
