Tonga defeats Japan to set up `semi final' clash with Indonesia

Tonga avenged their Round 1 defeat at the hands of Fiji, by overcoming tournament hosts Japan by 33 runs on day 2 of the 2004 ICC EAP Cricket Challenge.

Tonga will now play Indonesia tomorrow in what will effectively be a semi final encounter, with the winner qualifying for Saturday's final against Fiji.

Tonga won the toss and batted first on a crisp morning at the Fujigawa ground at the foot of Mt Fuji. The innings was evenly poised on several occasions, as an enthusiastic Japanese fielding and bowling display competed well with a determined Tongan battling line up.

Five Tongan batsmen scored over 20, while number three batsmen Sione Pese top scored with 38. Opener Mark Ferris was the pick of Japan's bowlers taking 2 for 31.

Japan's early order batting again struggled to cope with the new ball, with Munir Ahmed and captain Tetsuo Fuji being dismissed with the score on 18. A third wicket partnership of 77 between Hirokazu Takahashi (54) and Jummei Hanada (63) steadied the Japanese ship and after 29 overs, 95 runs had been scored.

At this time Tongan opening bowler, and eventual man of the match, Mafi Langi was brought back into the attack, and with immediate effect dismissed both Hanada and Takahashi, and number 5 batsmen Mark Ferris.

Minimal resistance was shown by the Japanese lower order, and the innings was finally closed in the 48th over for 180

Langi finished with 5 for 22 from 10 overs, and at the conclusion of the game said,

"I was pleased with how I bowled today, but was more pleased with our win. Tomorrow's game is now very important, and a good performance here will hopefully see us qualify for Saturday's final."

Tonga who have now recorded one victory and one loss in the tournament, will face Indonesia tomorrow who are on the same points. The winner of this match will take on Fiji in the final. Japan on the other hand will be attempting to score their first win of the tournament against an undefeated Fiji.