17 Sep 2012

Sport: Vanuatu cricketers looks to capitalise on strong start

10:08 am on 17 September 2012

Vanuatu can take a big step towards qualifying for the knockout rounds of the World Cricket League Division 8 tournament in Apia on Monday.

The Melanesians thumped Norway by 78 runs on Saturday in their opening match to go top of Group A.

Patrick Matautaava was the star, claiming 6 for 10 with the ball from 9.1 overs as the Nordic side was skittled out for just 95.

Today they face Ghana, who knocked off hosts Samoa by 50 runs, and coach Peter Wooden says they will have to be on their game.

"I think it's a very open competition. The net run-rate, in our opinion, will come definitely into play, that's something that we're very mindful of and I think any team is capable of winning on their day. There's some really good players here and really well balanced squads. So we've just got to take it one day at a time, control what we can control and enjoy it - that's our focus. We believe we've got the players to get us there in the final and to win that final."

In Group B Japan and Belgium lead the standings after opening wins over Suriname and Bhutan.