THE national under-19 men’s cricket team had mixed results in their matches of the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division one qualifiers in Japan.
Fiji U19 started their campaign with a tough loss to Japan U19 in their first match, going down by six wickets.
Japan chased down Fiji’s total with ease, handing the national side a disappointing start.
However, the team bounced back strongly in their second match against Papua New Guinea U19, winning by 94 runs in a dramatic fashion.
Fiji batted first and scored 185 runs, with Joeli Moala leading the way with 46 runs from 50 balls.
Manav Narayan added a steady 30 from 71 balls, while Peni Mawi chipped in with a quick 22 from 16 balls.
In the second innings, Fiji’s bowlers dominated. Moceidaveta Manara took 4 wickets for 31 runs in his 10 overs, while Joeli Moala and Jone Vakatawa both picked up two wickets each to help secure the much-needed win.
In their match, Fiji again faced Japan U19.
Despite a strong bowling effort, bowling out Japan for 167 runs in 43 overs, the national side fell short in their run chase.
Joeli Moala starred with the ball, taking 3 for 34, while Manara and Vakatawa both took two wickets each.
With the bat, Manav Narayan scored 20 runs and Peni Mawi made 14, but Fiji was bowled out and lost by 115 runs.
Fiji’s next match will decide their standing in the qualifier, since host nation Japan has already secured a spot in the World Cup.
