Apia, Samoa – In a thrilling encounter at the Faleata Oval No 2, Samoa edged past Vanuatu by 8 runs in the 12th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Region Qualifier A. Samoa’s Saumani Tiai delivered a match-winning performance, earning the Player of the Match award for his exceptional bowling display, which included four crucial wickets.
After electing to bat first, Samoa posted a competitive total of 145/8 in their 20 overs. Sean Cotter anchored the innings with a steady 51 off 48 balls, while Darren Roache added a quick 21 off 17 balls. Vanuatu’s bowling attack was led by Apolinaire Stephen and Williamsing Nalisa, who each picked up two wickets.
In reply, Vanuatu’s chase got off to a rocky start, with early wickets putting them on the back foot. Despite a valiant 39 off 30 balls from Ala Viraliliu, Vanuatu fell short, finishing at 137/9 in their 20 overs. Saumani Tiai was the star with the ball for Samoa, taking 4/23, while Noah Mead also chipped in with 2/21.
Key Records in the Match:
- Samoa’s 8-run win against Vanuatu is their smallest margin of victory in terms of runs in T20Is, surpassing their previous 10-run win against Vanuatu.
- Sean Cotter has become the top scorer for Samoa in T20Is with 274 runs, surpassing Darius Visser’s 263 runs.
Brief Scores:
Samoa: 145/8 in 20 overs (Sean Cotter 51, Fereti Suluoto 24; Apolinaire Stephen 2/26, Williamsing Nalisa 2/33)
Vanuatu: 137/9 in 20 overs (Ala Viraliliu 39, Clement Tommy 31; Saumani Tiai 4/23, Noah Mead 2/21)
Result: Samoa won by 8 runs.
Player of the Match: Saumani Tiai (Samoa) – 4/23.
