Elena Laini Kirikirikula is poised to make her international cricket debut for the Fiji women’s senior team during the upcoming Four Nations Tournament T20 series scheduled to take place in New Caledonia from March 10-14. This exciting opportunity marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning cricket career, as she is among the three debutants selected for the squad.
The 24-year-old, hailing from Rukua in Beqa with maternal ties to Galoa, Batiwai in Serua, was introduced to cricket in 2018 through Cricket Fiji development officers. Kirikirikula’s journey began with her eagerness to learn new sports skills, and she has since emerged as a notable player who also competes for the Serua women’s 15s rugby team. She credits her commitment to the sport to her club captain from the Black Ducks cricket team, thanking her for the steadfast support that has motivated her through training.
Kirikirikula expressed her hopes for the tournament, saying, “Our goal as a team is to make a win for this tour, to make a change for the past years’ tour in the women’s competition.” She emphasized the encouragement and support among her teammates, highlighting that the preparation has been going exceptionally well.
The backdrop of her debut comes in a year where women’s cricket in Fiji is gaining significant momentum. Alongside Kirikirikula, other players like Jasvil Rokoro are also making their own international debuts, showcasing the growing talent pool in Fijian women’s cricket. The national team not only aims to perform well in the Four Nations tournament but will also be preparing to host the ICC T20 East Asia Pacific qualifier, positioning Fiji as an emerging hub for women’s cricket in the region.
With a strong familial support system motivating her, Kirikirikula sees her participation as a fresh start and is eager to embrace the new challenges ahead. She shared, “Yes, this is my first international tournament. I’m so blessed and very happy to be part of the women’s senior team. This will be a new start for me.”
Overall, Kirikirikula’s journey into international cricket reflects a promising future not only for her but also for women’s cricket in Fiji, inspiring younger athletes to follow their dreams in the sport. As preparations intensify for the tournament, it remains a hopeful time for the team and the development of women’s sports in the country.
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