The Cricket Fiji senior women’s side have sent out an ominous warning on Day 1 of the Pacific Games competition, comprehensively dismantling the Cook Islands bowling and batting attack.
Fiji lost the toss and were sent into bat, proving a lucky move as the Fijian upper order raced to 42-2 off just 6 overs. It didn’t stop there, by the time the Cook Islands had the prized wicket of overseas based Alicia Dean, Fiji had reached massive 122-3 with 5 overs still to play and 7 wickets in hand.
Fiji sent in their biggest hitter in Ruci Mariyalo, who after some impressive batting including six 4’s and a 6, finished not out on 37 from just 14 balls. Fiji finished on an imposing 167 for just 4 wickets, sending an ominous warning to pre-games favourites PNG and Samoa.
In reply, the Fijian opening bowlers Marica Vua and Ruci Mariyalo tore through the Cook Islands top order, leaving them 3/3 after just 3 overs. The Cook Islands Mirioni Rivaia provided some brief resistance with 33 runs, but when Fijian off-spinner Luanne Rika was sent in, Rivaia fell and the Cook Islands tail was exposed. The Cook girls finished their 20 overs on 7/96 and Fiji recorded their first win of the Games.
Day two see’s two matches for the Fijian girls, facing New Caledonia at 10am and the big match against PNG at 2pm.