Fiji out, PNG, Vanuatu qualify
The Cricket Fiji national team were convincingly beaten by Samoa in the ICC World T20 East Asia Pacific Qualifiers at Albert Park, Suva yesterday.
The Fijians would just have to beat Samoa to be the second qualifier to Papua New Guinea. But instead Vanuatu and PNG will take part in the 2018 Asian Cup on the September 15-30 at the United Arab Emirates.
Fiji batted first and amassed 163 in 20 overs while Samoa recorded 165 in 16.3 overs to win by 9 wickets Coach Iniasi Cakacaka said the players gave in their best during the four-day competition
“We managed to win two games and I am delighted that the players are able to experience this type of competition,”Cakacaka said.
“This is our first step and we will try and keep moving up slowly until we get better. Cakacaka added the next focus for his side is getting players well developed with their playing skills before the next tournament “The other teams had players from overseas but for us our team only consist of local players,” he said “This is one of the areas that we will be focusing on more in getting players to take part in international tournaments so that they can be become competitive.
“We have fought hard during our matches and this where we have reached.”
Meanwhile, the two qualifiers Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu will take part in the 2018 Asian Cup next month at the United Arab Emirates.
PNG finished the tournament undefeated to win the ICC World T20 EAP ‘A’ Qualifier while Vanuatu snuck into the second qualifying position.
PNG team coach Joe Dowes thanked his players for the win and also prepare the boys for the upcoming games.
“We have a month of cricket in October which is a thing big for us and that there will be more cricket,” Dowes said
“We will try and pick things up in getting the boys back to the gym and make them prepare for the games next year.
Vanuatu team coach Shane Deitz added his side will focus more of areas they have lacked before their next tournament “Now we are going to play the next round which is the World Cup qualifiers which is in March and we will be preparing for that,” Deitz said
“The players in Australia will be going back and working hard and also the players in Port Vila in preparing for the big competition. “We are really lucky as being one of the qualifiers.
“We will need to focus more on our mental approach, team targets and our plans in the upcoming games in order to do better.”
International Cricket Council tournament director Rob Gomm “The four-day competition was really an amazing one,” Gomm said “Great matches from all and we were able to name the two qualifiers which is PNG and Vanuatu.
“Looking at the level of play that pacific cricketers have is really amazing.
“PNG has the confidence of moving forward but Vanuatu will be progressing through as they battle out next year with one of the East Asia side so that they can qualify for the world tournament which will be probably around February and March.”
Summary Scores
Fiji 6/163 (20) Beitaki 91, Solia, 2/14 (4) defeated by Samoa 1/165 (16.3) D Michael 100*, Burgess 39, Mailata 22* by 9 wickets Vanuatu 9/145 (20) Vira 39, Mansale 23, Vala 4/25 (4) defeated by PNG 8/146 (18.4) Kila 41, Vala 40, Matautaava 3/27 (4), Blake 3/29 (3.4) by 2 wickets