Fiji go with Experience for Malaysia

Fiji selectors have opted for experience in naming the squad which will travel to Malaysia next month for the vital World Cricket League Division 6 tournament.

A squad of 14 plus four non-travelling reserves have been named for the tour which will run from September 17-24 in Kuala Lumpar and has been the focus of preparations throughout the year.

Selectors made just one change to the team that took part in the East Asia Pacific Division 1 tournament in Papua New Guinea last month, with batsman Colin Rika recalled into the team for the first time in three years.

Rika, 29, who was unavailable for PNG due to work commitments, impressed selectors with a well-crafted century in a national trial match two weeks ago, but has previously represented Fiji numerous times since his senior international debut in 2001, and will be a welcome addition to the top order.

He comes into the squad in place of Nadi all-rounder Vilikesa Nailolo.

National coach Steve Jenkin said it was hoped the team would carry on the hard work that began in PNG and will hopefully be continued in next week's South Pacific Games.

"We've gone for an experienced side and we're hoping to carry on the work started in PNG," Jenkin said.

"We're expecting tough competition from all teams, but feel that we've prepared well for this 50-over competition."

"We felt that we needed to strengthen our batting and bring in Colin Rika who was previously unavailable, which will assist in getting the runs required to set competitive targets."

Josefa Rika, 23, will again captain the team, while international-based players Tasheed Tawheed and Mohammed Imran Khan will also join the team in Malaysia.

Khan, who is based in the USA, was a standout bowler for the team in PNG and will be a key member of the attack for WCL.

Fellow strike bowler Tukana Tavo was unavailable for selection.

Five of the squad will represent Fiji in the South Pacific Games next week including captain Rika, Maciu Gauna, Sakaraia Lomani, Jikoi Kida and Viliame Yabaki.

Following their September 4 return from SPG, the team will then depart Fiji on September 8 and hold a one-week camp in Singapore before travelling to Malaysia on September 15 for the start of the tournament.

Fiji Squad: Josefa Rika (c) (Suva), Sekove Ravoka (Western), Waisake Tukaha (Suva), Iniaisi Cakacaka (Suva), Colin Rika (Suva), Maciu Gauna (Western), Kitione Tavo (Suva), Sakaraia Lomani (Suva), Tasheed Tawheed (Australia), Mohammed Imran Khan (USA), Viliame Yabaki (Suva), Jikoi Kida (Suva), Josefa Dabea (Suva), Joji Bulabalavu (Suva). Non Travelling Reserves: Seru Tupou (Moce), Peni Dakai (Suva), Vilikesa Nailolo (Western), Mesui Talebula (Suva). Coach: Steve Jenkin, Assistant Coach: Taione Cakacaka, Manager: Jon Symonds