The Fiji men’s cricket team wrapped up their campaign in the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional A qualifier with a nail-biting 9-run victory against the Cook Islands at the Garden Ovals in Apia on Saturday.
This win marks Fiji’s third in the qualifier, reinforcing their dominance over the Cook Islands. While this victory may not guarantee Fiji the top position in the qualifier, it heightens the anticipation for the final match, where the result of the Samoa vs. Vanuatu game will decide which team qualifies from the region.
If Samoa wins, they will advance, but a loss would allow the Cook Islands to progress from the sub-regional qualifier. Captain Peni Vuniwaqa was named Player of the Match after scoring 45 runs off 28 balls and taking 2 wickets for 31 runs.
Vice-Captain Peni Kotoisuva also played a vital role, contributing 28 runs from 17 balls. Additionally, Joeli Moala, the youngest player on the team, excelled with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs. His remarkable performance in the crucial final over limited the Cook Islands to 126 runs, ensuring Fiji’s narrow victory.