Fiji advance to Division 6 of the World Cricket League

Fiji celebrate their win over Samoa

Fiji stormed into Division 6 of the World Cricket League after beating Samoa by 9 wickets, and they will be joined by Vanuatu to represent East Asia Pacific in the tournament. A match that was threatened by storm conditions at Lismore was completely dominated by Fiji. Joe Rika, the Fiji captain, won the toss & sent the Samoans in to bat on a cloudy morning. The opening bowlers used the conditions to their advantage and picked up two crucial wickets.

Two brilliant run outs by R Atonio sealed the fate of Samoa as they were 5-4 in the 5th over. With the previous day’s century maker Fred Sapatu & the big-hitting opening batsman Sean Cotter departing early, it was left to the rest to do the rebuilding. Faasao Mulivai did provide some resistance with the bat, thanks to some dropped catches by the Fiji players.

Samoa were finally dismissed for a paltry 73 in just 23.5 overs.

The Fiji players came all guns blazing and Makutu Sen’s early exit did not hinder the Fiji captain from notching up a quick fire 50, his second one in the tournament in as many days. They registered the win in 9.5 overs with 9 wickets to spare.

Fiji coach, Shane Jurgensen, was ecstatic. This is his first major tournament as head coach of Fiji.

Two other teams are confirmed to be competing at the tournament alongside Fiji & Vanuatu - Cayman Islands and Papua New Guinea. The rest of the four teams would be determined after the regional qualifiers conclude. The date and the venue of the competition are yet to be announced.

Scores:

Samoa 73 all out, 23.5 overs (F Muliwai 27; V Manakitoga 4-20)

Fiji 1-74, 9.5 overs (Joe Rika 51*)

Fiji won by 9 wickets

Man of the Match: Viliame Manakitoga (Fiji)