Argentina too strong for Fiji

Argentina today secured a place in the Semi-Finals of the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 event with a resounding victory over Fiji.

Fiji lost the toss and was sent in to bat by Argentina who were buoyed by their impressive performances in the first two matches of the tournament.

Fiji got off to the worst possible start when opening batsman Josefa Rika was bowled on the first ball of the day by a swinging delivery from paceman Gary Savage. This set the scene for what would turn out to be a day to forget for Fiji who found themselves 7/9 off 8 overs and then all out for 44 in the 22nd over.

Argentina's three-pronged pace attack of Savage, Estaban Nino and Diego Lord shared the spoils in the most destructive bowling performance of the tournament.

Argentina's opening batsmen made light work of the 45 required for victory, reaching their target in only 5 overs.

Nino was named Man of the Match for his 4 wickets as Argentina rejoiced in their startling emergence and Fiji pondered what might have been.

Fiji will now play Tanzania in the Plate Semi-Final with 5th place the best possible outcome for the Pacific team.

Fiji Captain Seci Tuiwai commented on the match:
"We were simply not good enough today. Argentina bowled well and we were unable to get our innings started. We are very disappointed with our performances in this tournament so far and we will be trying to turn this around in our two remaining matches."