By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — The Philippine cricket team scored a huge breakthrough this week by ruling Group B of the ICC T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers at the EAC Friendship Oval in Dasmariñas.
Lady Luck smiled on the Philippines late in the double round robin tournament as it swept the second round of the four-team event while closest competitor Japan, who ruled the first round, struggled in the end.
The Philippines, which seemed to be on its way to settling for second place after bowing to Japan in their first meeting, was suddenly back in contention as the latter was stunned by Indonesia, 100-101, on Wednesday, setting up a Thursday battle that would eventually decide the winner of the qualifier.
The Philippines avenged its first-round loss to Japan, 118-115, to reclaim the top spot.
The Philippines formally clinched the qualifiers as Japan bowed to South Korea, 127-128, on Friday. The Philippines would put the exclamation point by routing Indonesia, 138-110, in the final game of the tournament later in the day.
“I’m so pleased that we were able to win the Cup for them. It’s a proud day for the Philippines,” skipper Jonathan Hill said.
The Philippines, which finished with a 5-1 record, will join Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea in the East Asia-Pacific Finals next year with the winner going to the global qualifiers, where six spots in the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup in Australia are on the line.
