Fiji Women’s Cricket Team Ready to Host East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, Emphasizing Team Spirit and Home Advantage
Fiji’s national women’s cricket team is preparing to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Suva, with matches taking place from September 9 to 15 at Albert Park. Captain Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga says the squad’s path to success will rest on strong teamwork, noting that recent training camps have been dedicated to building cohesion and mutual understanding among players.
The squad, which includes two debutants, has shown solid commitment and discipline as younger players integrate smoothly into the group dynamic. “The girls are very excited, they’ve been waiting for quite some time now for the tournament to happen and we are all looking forward,” Waqavakatoga said.
The Qualifier is expected to feature eight nations, underscoring the growing momentum of women’s cricket in the region. Fiji will be in a pool with Indonesia, the Cook Islands, and Vanuatu, while the Philippines will be entering the competition for the first time. The top team(s) from the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier will advance to further global qualifying stages for a place at the 2026 Women’s World Cup, making the Suva event a milestone for the sport in Fiji and the region.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Fiji’s preparation includes a high‑intensity build‑up with two official T20Is against Japan as a final tune‑up. These matches, held at Albert Park, are part of an upgraded preparation plan that provides valuable exposure against higher-ranked opposition ahead of September’s qualifier.
Beyond the field, Cricket Fiji is positioning the qualifier as a catalyst for long-term growth. The association is rolling out grassroots development initiatives, including a three‑year teacher-training program to introduce cricket into schools and communities, an ICC Level 1 umpire course, and enhanced youth engagement. Invitations have been extended to top-performing schools to watch the international matches, helping to ignite enthusiasm for cricket among younger players and fostering a broader talent pipeline.
What this means for Fiji fans and players is a clearer path from school cricket to the international stage, supported by a growing ecosystem of coaches, officials, and community programs. The upcoming qualifier, hosted in Suva, also reinforces Fiji’s role as a regional hub for women’s cricket and signals a positive, hopeful trajectory for the sport’s development in the islands.
Key points to watch
– Two debutants adding energy and new skills to the squad.
– Home-field advantage in Suva and the strong support expected from the local crowd.
– Final warm-ups against Japan providing crucial match experience before the qualifier.
– The broader development push, linking grassroots programs with elite competition to sustain growth beyond September.
Overall, the build‑up showcases Fiji’s commitment to elevating women’s cricket, with a positive outlook for both the national team and the sport’s future in the region. Fans can anticipate a showcase of teamwork, resilience, and talent as Fiji aims to make a strong impact on home soil and progress toward the world stage.
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