The Eastern Waves survived a late fightback from the Western Eagles to go take the first match of the T20 series off the final ball and win by four wickets.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Eagles were indebted to Rachel Andrew from Vanuatu, who provided some much needed impetus to the innings by striking 33 from 23 balls.

In doing so she did some damage to the figures of Erika Toguchi-Quinn (two for 26), who had the Eagles in a spin when dismissing their other two overseas stars.

A final total of 112 for six was perhaps below par, but the Eagles made sure the Waves had to work for the win.

After cruising to 66 without loss, the opening stand was broken in the 10th over when Maria Corazon Wombaki chipped a catch to Andrew, and whatever was said at drinks seemed to inspire the Eagles.

At 97 for three in the 16th over with just 16 runs needed, Andrew again came to the fore, dismissing the dangerous Haruna Iwasaki with an extraordinary catch by Sathya Sandeepani at cover, before clean bowling international teammate Selina Solman two balls later.

As the Eagles grabbed another in the next over the tension began to mount, but Mai Yanagida (22*) kept a cool head to steer the team home from the final ball of the match.

Match Summary

• Match 1: Eastern Waves, 113/6, beat Western Eagles, 112/6 by four wickets

Highlights

Match Schedule

• T20 Game 2：Saturday 18th May, 10:00
• T20 Game 3：Sunday 19th May, 10:00

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