Fiji out to surprise again

Despite having won the previous qualifying event in the East Asia-Pacific region, Fiji will arrive at the 2018 ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup – East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 2017 once again looking to surprise.

Fiji bring an entirely new side to the event in Samoa and are hoping they can overcome established rivals Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

Winning the tournament would see Fiji attend their second ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup in a row.

Getting through to next year’s tournament in New Zealand would be another significant step for cricket in Fiji according to the team’s coach Joe Rika.

“The last tournament was huge for cricket in Fiji. It led to a lot more interest in the game. We want to continue that momentum.

“It’s a good group of people who have become interested in the sport. It’s a young bunch we’ve got this year and they will now be around for the next four to five years,” Rika explained.

The former Fijian international hopes the core of his young side can develop into a strong unit.

“We’ve got eight boys here who will be back for the next qualifying event in 2019. So it’s a young team with only three players over the age of 17,” he continued.

Rika also knows that with their surprise performance at the last event other teams like Papua New Guinea will be eager to get back to the top of the group.

“Another win would be great for Cricket Fiji to get more exposure. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our players to experience a higher level of cricket,” Rika concluded.

With the tournament seeing the teams away from home for nearly two weeks the travel is also something that sides are preparing for.

Only two of the Fijian team have left the country before and Rika believes the tournament experience will be valuable for his side.

“I think they will thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to play against the big boys, those are memories you cherish for the rest of your life.

Playing in the last event has had a huge impact on the players that got that opportunity.”

Rika also believes playing opportunities are vital for all young Pacific players.

“We need to provide them as many chances as possible to develop. The players don’t have a lot of knowledge about how to play 50 over cricket and these kinds of experiences will impact them.”

Fiji open their tournament against Papua New Guinea.

The tournament will begin on Tuesday August 8th and conclude on Wednesday August 16th. Live scores will be available here.