Fiji Suffer Third Loss

Fiji will face a must-win game against Jersey on Friday after going down to Kuwait in a rain-effected match at World Cricket League Division 6 yesterday.

The team put in its best batting performance of the tournament so far, with both captain Josefa Rika and Waisake Tukaha notching half centuries as they reached 6-171 off 43.5 overs before the rain hit.

After a lengthy delay, Kuwait was set a revised total of 161 off 29 overs and they reached the total in the 26th over with three wickets down to claim the result.

It means Fiji must defeat Jersey in the final pool round to give them a hope of finishing third or fourth overall and ensure they remain in Division 6 and are not relegated out of the division.

Fiji's batting saw a big improvement on yesterday's loss to Malaysia with opener Joji Bulabalavu (21) and Iniasi Cakacaka (20) also getting starts to add to Rika and Tukaha?s contributions.

Tukaha had just reached his half century when play was halted, injuring his hamstring in the final run for his 50 which saw him unable to field in the second innings.

Kuwait's openers got their team off to a quick start in their run chase and they were staying well ahead of the necessary run rate throughout.

Seasoned spinner Cakacaka slowed the run rate significantly during a good spell which saw him claim three wickets and give Fiji a hint of a chance.

But Kuwait was able to get on top of the rest of the Fiji attack and they flew past the total with some big hitting in the final overs.

Fiji coach Steve Jenkin said it was extremely disappointing although the improvement in the batsmen was one bright spot.

"It was a marked improvement from previous games, although it can still improve more," Jenkin said.

"Unfortunately the rain came just as we were starting to accelerate."

"Our bowlers were put under pressure by some good batting and they played on both sides of the wicket which made it hard for our guys."

Fiji has a rest day today ahead of Friday's all-important match against Jersey.