Fiji flex muscle against Pacific rival Tonga

Fiji commenced the ICC EAP Cricket Challenge in fine style today, posting a convincing 121 run victory over Tonga at the picturesque Fujigawa Ground in Fuji, Japan.

The winner of this four team event between Fiji, Tonga, Japan and Indonesia will begin its journey to qualify for the ICC World Cup in 2007, by receiving an invitation to participate in the ICC World Cup Qualifying Series tournament in Malaysia, in February 2005.

After winning the toss, Fiji elected to bat and posted an impressive total of 249. The innings was controlled by a middle order partnership of 83 runs between Neil Maxwell (71 from 86 balls) and Fiji captain Waisake Tukana (74 from 74 balls).

Bowling honors for Tonga went to Mafi Langi (3 for 28) and Savelio Tamale (3 for 38).

In reply Tonga's openers Sasia Pale (24) and Viliami Tupouniua (28) started confidently, and the score reached 1 for 73 after 20 overs.

However in the 21st over Samuela Draunivudi (2 for 31) picked up two wickets in two balls, and from that point on Tongan wickets fell at regular intervals until they were finally dismissed in the 44th over for 128.

At the conclusion of the match Fiji captain and man of the match Waisake Tukana said,

"We are obviously delighted to get a win first up, however there is a long way to go in this tournament, and we are now looking forward to facing up to Indonesia tomorrow. They had a convincing win against Japan today and therefore will be a tough opponent."

In the match of the day tomorrow, Fiji now face the only other undefeated team Indonesia, with the winner of this match almost guaranteed a position in Saturday's final. In the other game Tonga play hosts Japan, who will be keen to avenge their defeat today against Indonesia.