The Fiji women’s national cricket team faced a challenging defeat against Indonesia in their second pool match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier, held at Albert Park in Suva. Despite a valiant effort, Fiji was defeated by 42 runs. Indonesia set a target by scoring 143 runs for the loss of six wickets, while Fiji managed to score 101 runs in 19.3 overs.
Team manager Mereoni Uluiviti remains hopeful, viewing this match as an opportunity for improvement. She emphasized the necessity of addressing weaknesses, particularly in fielding, to minimize errors and prepare for their next match against Vanuatu. Uluiviti acknowledged the strong performance by Indonesia, which currently holds a higher rank compared to Fiji, and expressed gratitude for the contribution of overseas-based players Tabatha Saville and Semaema Lomani.
This match is not the first time Fiji has faced tough opposition in international cricket. Similar challenges were noted in previous tournaments, such as losing to Samoa and Vanuatu in various cricket competitions. Despite these setbacks, Fiji remains focused on learning from each experience to enhance their performance in future games.
Uluiviti also highlighted the significance of local support for boosting the team’s morale. The presence of supporters during the match had a positive impact on the players, and she encourages continued fan support as they face Vanuatu next.
Meanwhile, Japan achieved a victory over Samoa by 71 runs, indicating the competitive nature of the ongoing qualifier. Fiji’s next game is crucial, and they aim to rectify mistakes and come back stronger in their upcoming match against Vanuatu.
Despite current challenges, the Fiji women’s cricket team remains determined and optimistic about making the necessary improvements to compete effectively on the international stage. The experience gained in these matches is invaluable for their growth and development, creating a solid foundation for future successes in women’s cricket.
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