THE National U19 cricket team suffered their third loss at the International Cricket Council U19 World Cup to the West Indies by 262 runs.

Fiji had won the toss and elected to field with the West Indies scoring seven for 340 runs off 50 overs.

Fiji played chase and fell short going all out by 78 runs in 27.3 overs.

Cricket Fiji Acting CEO Setoki Galuvakadua said preparations had begun for the return of the players to the country.

“They needed to finish their final pool match before any arrangements were done for their return.

“Only the top two teams from the pool will advance to the next stage for competition so it’s an early trip home for the team,” he said.

Commenting on the team’s performance he said a lot needed to be done to ensure the proper development of the sport locally.

“I think a lot of people would be disappointed because we had all thought they would perform better. I think the basics were neglected in terms of development because it is pretty difficult for a team that is used to playing 20 overs to go and play 50 overs,” he said.