Fiji’s women’s cricket team marked a historic moment by securing their first victory against France, winning by 56 runs in the Pacific-France T20I Women’s Cricket Championship in New Caledonia. Skipper Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga’s outstanding leadership earned her the ‘Player of the Match’ accolade.
Fiji set a competitive target of 115 runs, concluding their innings at 9 wickets after 20 overs. They achieved significant milestones, reaching 50 runs in just 8.4 overs and surpassing the 100-run mark by 16.5 overs. The standout performer with the bat was Karalaini Vakuruivalu, who scored 19 runs, while Akosita Poulter contributed 2 runs to the total.
In response, the Fiji bowlers excelled, limiting France to a mere 59 runs, with the team dismissed in just 16.4 overs. France had a brief rally, reaching 50 runs in 14 overs, but their batting lineup collapsed, losing all 10 wickets. Glenda Jaine finished as the top scorer for France, managing only 4 runs.
This victory represents a significant rebound for Fiji, particularly following their earlier losses to Samoa and Vanuatu during the tournament, where they faced challenges in maintaining competitiveness. Their triumph against France has instilled confidence in the team as they gear up for their next match against France in the 3rd/4th place playoff preceding the final between Vanuatu and Samoa.
The Pacific-France T20I Women’s Championship not only showcases competitive spirit but also highlights the increasing relevance of women’s cricket in the Pacific, providing essential developmental opportunities for all involved teams. Fiji’s resilience and ambition bode well for their future in international cricket, as they seek to continue improving and establishing themselves on the global stage.
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