Tato helps Samoa take the points over PNG

Maria Tato was the pick of the Samoa bowlers with figures of 4 for 18.

Fierce rivals Samoa and PNG have fought another close battle in Sano, Japan at the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 – East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 2017, with Samoa taking the spoils this time.

PNG captain Pauke Siaka won the toss and again sent the opposition in to bat first under beautiful blue skies in Sano.

An early wicket to off-spinner Sibona Jimmy appeared to justify the decision to bowl first but Samoa’s top order had other ideas.

First captain Regina Lili’I (36) and then Lelia Bourne (29) took the innings away from PNG as Samoa set them a big chase and a target of exactly 100 for victory.

Samoa’s determination to reverse their fortunes from last year was clear from the start and every bowler did their part for the win.

But the star with the ball was Maria Tato (4/18) who at one point was on a hat-trick after picking up the crucial wickets of PNG’s captain Pauke Siaka and big hitting Konio Oala.

PNG never recovered from there despite some resistance from the lower order and were bowled out for 83 in the 19th over.

The 16 run win sees Samoa go to the top of the table with one more day of play before a rest day. source: ICC