Fiji clinch victory Match 1 bi-lateral series

With rain preventing play on the first scheduled day of the Fiji v Vanuatu bi-lateral series, it was encouraging that Day 2 presented hot and sunny conditions in Suva.

However, at the scheduled 9:00am umpires inspection it was deemed that the ground was not ready for play to commence and the umpires would come back at 12:30 for a further inspection.

In the meantime hoses were brought to the ground and sucked up the surface water left from the previous day's rain and this combined with hard work from about half a dozen City Council workers, the prospect of play looked increasingly possible.

Following a couple more inspections by the Umpires it was determined that play would commence and that allowed for a 20 over game.

Vanuatu won the toss and decided to bat first.

A menacing opening spell by Fiji quick Kiti Tavo had the visitors on the back foot early until Fenedy Masauvakalo steadied the innings for Vanuatu with an important 20 and took Vanuatu past the 50 run mark before being caught behind.

Simpson Obed steered the second half of the Vanuatu innings and he finished with 15 not out as Vanuatu posted a competitive 91 runs.

Tavo was well supported by Sakaraia with 2 for 16 from his 4 overs whilst Kida chipped in with 2 for 13 from his 2 overs delivered late in the Vanuatu innings.

In reply Fiji made a reasonable start progressing to 1 for 27 before a collapse left them languishing at 8 for 61.

Vanuatu medium pacer Pierre Chilia was the main instigator of the Fiji batting collapse with the figures of 4 for 23 from his 4 overs.

Kiti Tavo came to the rescue for Fiji as he belted an unbeaten 23, including several important late innings boundaries as he guided Fiji to 9 for 92 from 18.2 overs and securing Fiji victory.

All involved are hoping for a complete days play tomorrow (29 March), although some light drizzle has been falling in the early evening here in Suva