Papua New Guinea's expected place in next year's men's T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA has been secured after today's play in the East Asia-Pacific regional final.

The first part of the equation happened in the morning session at Amini park when Japan took on Vanuatu, the latter choosing to field first after winning the toss. Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming top scored for them with an unbeaten 44, with Nalin Nipiko taking 4-28 as Japan were bowled out for 136.

Vanuatu lost both openers cheaply, but an unbeaten 74 from just 50 balls by Nalin Nipiko helped secure a five wicket win with three balls to spare.

The result meant that Papua New Guinea just needed to beat the Philippines in the afternoon game to secure their place in the World Cup. Put into bat, the home team started with Tony Ura and Assad Vala putting on 118 in 10.3 overs before Ura was out for 61, scored from 31 balls.

Vala scored 59 from 39, whilst Charles Amini smashed 53 from 27 balls to help the hosts score 229-6 from their 20 overs. The Philippines batted out their overs but could only score 129-7, losing by 100 runs and ensuring that Papua New Guinea would qualify for the World Cup.

There is still one more day's play in the tournament tomorrow, with Philippines playing Vanuatu in the morning and Papua New Guinea facing off against Japan in the afternoon.