Top of the World

The World XI men’s cricket team picked up their second consecutive win of the Domestic League on Saturday with a 41 run victory over Pukapuka.

Jeff Viniconbe has quickly proven to be the World’s most valuable player.

The classy right hander pulled the World side out of a three for 34 hole in the weekend with an unbeaten 159, coming from just 70 balls at a strike rate of 227 which included seven fours and 20 sixes. The innings puts Viniconbe squarely at the top of the Domestic League run scorers list as the only player to have broken the 200 runs mark thus far.

India’s Akshay Singh provided the cement to the World’s innings as he notched up 30 runs while supporting Viniconbe on his way to the record breaking Domestic League score.

Pukapukans Terry William (72 runs), Ngametua Tariau (33) and Pokelea Yeutu (30 not out) provided fight for the Wale side who ended their run chase on 209 for seven, 41 runs shy of the victory.

In the morning match the Cook Islands women’s team continued their great progress by batting for 19.2 overs to improve on their total against Aitutaki the week before.

Punanga Kaveao and June George top scored on their way to 68.

Despite picking up the wicket of Paea Tuati in the second over Rarotonga’s Apii Mamanu (25 not out) and Mark Larsen (20 not out) played superbly to steer the Rarotonga team home to their first four points of the Domestic League.

Paea Tuati and Mark Larsen spun their way to three wickets a piece.

Pukapuka take on the Cook Islands women at 11am this Saturday while Rarotonga have the World XI at 3pm, both matches are scheduled at the Turangi Cricket Oval.

Points: 1st Place The World XI (8 Points, 2 wins from 2 matches, NRR +2.425), 2nd Place Rarotonga (4 Points, 1 win from 1, NRR +11.600), 3rd Place Pukapuka (4 Points, 1 win from 2, NRR +1.113), 4th Place Aitutaki (4 Points, 1 win from 3, NRR +0.416) and 5th Place Cook Islands women (0 points, 0 wins from 2, NRR -13.140).