Papua New Guinea made a winning start to the defence of their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Regional Qualifying title, with back to back victories on day one in Port Vila.
The Lewas opened their account with a comprehensive 57 run victory over Vanuatu. Tanya Ruma top-scored with a run-a-ball 66 as PNG posted 144 for 4 with the bat before dismissing the hosts for just 87.
PNG's Tanya Ruma top-scored with a run-a-ball 66 against Vanuatu. Photo: ICC East Asia Pacific
Player of the match Ravina Oa returned impressive figures of 5 for 13 off four overs despite injuring her hand batting the day before.
"Today was an amazing break through because I didn't expect to take wickets because of my injured hand. It's a great honour and privilege to represent your country and be proud and carry the flag around", she said.
Tournament newcomers Indonesia thumped Japan by seven wickets in the other morning match-up, reaching their victory target of 102 with 16 balls to spare.
Player of the match Ravini Oa bagged five wickets in tournament opener. Photo: ICC East Asia Pacific
Indonesia's captain Puji Haryanti said it was "very important for female cricket in Indonesia because this is the first time at the Qualifiers and winning the first game is very important for habits going into the next games".
But the debutantes were no match for the defending champions in the afternoon as Natasha Ambo bagged 5 for 10 off four overs to restrict Indonesia to 69 for 7 from their 20 overs before PNG cruised to the win with seven wickets and more than five overs to spare.
Meanwhile Samoa also made a winning start with a clinical nine wicket over Fiji in the other afternoon clash.
Playing in her first international match since 2015, Lily Mulivai snared two wickets for 11 off four overs and added 20 not out from 15 balls as Samoa chased down their victory target of 79 inside ten overs.
The winner of the East Asia-Pacific Regional Qualifier will advance to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in Scotland later this year as well as the 2021 Women's World Cup Qualifier in 2020.
