Samoa remain top of the East Asia Pacific sub-regional A qualifier after beating Fiji today, with the Cook Islands close behind on net run rate after beating Vanuatu.

Samoa batted first in their game against Fiji and Darius Visser - record breaker in the previous game - was in the runs again, clubbing 72 from 39 balls as his team racked up 183-5 from their 20 overs.

In their reply, Fiji were reasonably well set with two settled batters at the crease and 80 runs to score from the last eight overs, but there was an almightly collapse as they went from 105-4 to 110 all out in three overs. Saumani Tai was the leading wicket taker with 5-27 with Darius Visser taking 3-31 to get another player of the match award in the 73 run win.

Solomon Nash runs in to bowl during the Fiji innings (Samoa International Cricket Association)

In the second match of the day Vanuatu were put into bat and scored 125-9 from their 20 overs. Nalin Nipiko, who conceded those 39 runs in one over yesterday, top scored with 38 at the top of the order, whilst Junior Kaltapau contributed an unbeaten 28 at exactly a run a ball. Oscar Taylor was the pick of the Cooks bowlers with 5-17.

The Cook Islands chased down their target with little trouble in 16.2 overs to win by eight wickets. Ma'ara Ave's unbeaten 44 from 32 balls was their top score with Thomas Parima scoring 35.

Thursday is a rest day in Samoa, with play resuming on Friday. Samoa will play the Cook Islands in the second game that day in a match that may well decide which team progresses to the combined Asia/EAP final. The first game on Friday will be between the now eliminated Vanuatu and Fiji sides.