18 Sep 2012

Sport: Pacific teams win to stay in semis hunt

10:11 am on 18 September 2012

Vanuatu maintained its perfect start to the World Cricket League 8 tournament in Apia with a five wicket win over Ghana on Monday.

In a match reduced to 45 overs because of rain, Ghana was bowled out for 197, with Patrick Matautaava again the leading wicket taker with three.

In reply, Nalin Nipiko struck an unbeaten 58 to get Vanuatu home with 17 balls to spare.

Hosts Samoa cruised to their first win of the tournament, surpassing Norway's 188 all out with five wickets and 86 balls to spare.

Captain Ben Malaita was the star, taking four for 15 with the ball before an unbeaten 79 with the bat guided his team home.

Meanwhile in Group B, there were also wins for Belgium and Japan.