Fiji and Japan will lock horns for match no. 10 of the ongoing 2023 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier. The game is scheduled to commence at 8:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 4th of September at Vanuatu Cricket Ground Oval 2, Port Vila.
Fiji, in their lone outing, and Japan, in 2 games, have remained unbeaten in the competition so far. While the latter have recorded convincing wins, Fiji sneaked a win in the opener, defending a low total.
Squads:
Fiji – Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga (C, WK), Ruci Muriyalo (VC), Kiera Amoe, Melaia Biu, Maeavhanisi Erasito (WK), Ana Gonerara, Ateca Kainoco, Cilia Lewatu, Lagakali Lomani, Marica Ratuki (WK), Mereani Rodan, Serafina Sigaiwasa, Teresia Talemaitoga, Karalaini Vakuruivalu, Sulia Vuni
Japan – Mai Yanagida (C), Akari Nishimura (VC, WK), Ahilya Chandel, Ayumi Fujikawa, Hinase Goto, Haruna Iwasaki, Shimako Kato, Elena Kusuda-Nairn, Erika Oda, Kurumi Ota, Seika Sumi, Erika Toguchi-Quinn, Nonoha Yasumoto, Minami Yoshioka
Players to watch out:
Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga
The 24-year-old keeper-batter, in 21 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), has accumulated 212 runs and also taken 5 wickets from 7 outings. Ilisapeci got her campaign underway in fine fashion, scoring 43 runs off 52 balls, and on this occasion, she wasn’t required with the ball. Fiji would want their lone in-form player to capitalize on the start she’s had.
Karalaini Vakuruivalu
The 22-year-old left-arm pacer, in 12 T20Is, has struck 17 wickets and has been handy with the bat as well, contributing 40 runs. Karalaini was the pick of the bowlers for Fiji in the opener, as she immediately produced figures of 4/14. Under pressure, her performance helped her side to an 18-run win against Samoa while defending a total of 98.
Erika Oda
The 36-year-old batter, in 20 T20I outings, has scored 374 runs at a strike rate of 88.41 and has registered her best of 48. Talk about consistency, Erika has displayed it in the competition, registering twin scores in the 40s. Erika kicked off her campaign with a score of 48 and followed it up with another fine 46.
Nonoha Yasumoto
The 18-year-old pacer has taken 7 wickets in as many T20I outings and has looked promising for Japan in the competition so far. She registered figures of 2/12 and 1/12 in the 2 games thus far. In the lead-up to the series against Vanuatu, Nonoha also displayed her economical bowling, producing figures of 1/14 and 1/12 in 2 games.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Vanuatu Cricket Ground Oval 2, Port Vila, pleases the bowlers, particularly the pacers, and poses challenges for the batters. The pace-friendly conditions result in an average score of 103, demanding discipline from batters to post a competitive total.
Weather:
The conditions at Vanuatu Cricket Ground Oval 2, Port Vila, are forecasted to be pleasant for the game, with partly cloudy skies and a low chance of rain. The temperature is expected to be around 26°C, with light winds.
Fantasy playing XI:
Akari Nishimura, Erika Oda, Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga, Karalaini Vakuruivalu, Ahilya Chandel, Ruci Muriyalo, Mai Yanagida, Shimako Kato, Ana Gonerara, Nonoha Yasumoto, Erika Toguchi-Quinn
Match details:
Date – September 4, 2023
Time – 8:00 AM IST
Venue – Vanuatu Cricket Ground Oval 2, Port Vila