Cook Island and Fiji will face off in Match No. 4 of the upcoming 2024 Twenty20 (T20) Women’s Pacific Cup at Lloyd Elsmore Park 1, Auckland, on the 17th of January 2024, at 7:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Cook Island – Tetiare Mataora (C), Mummy Elikana, Ioane Evangelean, Zamera Maeva, Tailor Maika, Koitai Mataora (WK), Maya Piakura, Tapuaiva Piakura, Angie Ruarau, Sofia Samuels, Sonnia Vaia, Esther Williams
Fiji – Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga (C, WK), Melaia Biu, Maeavhanisi Erasito (WK), Ana Gonerara, Ateca Kainoco, Silvia Kijiana, Cilia Lewatu, Lagakali Lomani, Akosita Poulter, Marica Ratuki (WK), Mereani Rodan, Saimoni Tuitoga, Karalaini Vakuruivalu, Mele Waqanisau
Players to watch out:
Zamera Maeva
The 16-year-old all-rounder, in 6 T20Is, has added 53 runs to the tally and bagged 4 wickets. Zamera signed off the ’23 East Asia-Pacific Qualifier on a high, registering figures of 41 and 3/18. It’ll be hoped she replicates the same success this time around as well.
Sonnia Vaia
The 16-year-old all-rounder, in 6 T20I appearances, has managed 51 runs and struck 4 wickets. Sonnia did find some success in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier last year, and it’ll be hoped she builds on that, making significant contributions for the team in this tournament.
Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga
The 24-year-old keeper-batter has accumulated 276 runs, including the highest of 43, from 26 T20I outings, while also taking 5 wickets. Ilisapeci managed a string of starts in the T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier late last year and will be relied upon to lead the scoring.
Karalaini Vakuruivalu
The 22-year-old left-arm pacer has taken 20 wickets, including the best of 4/14 from 16 T20Is, maintaining an economy rate of 7.12. Karalaini can be trusted to chip in with the bat and will be backed to excel both with the bat and ball in the competition.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Lloyd Elsmore Park 2 offers a balanced playing surface that slightly favors the bowlers. While it is conducive for batting, the average score in the 130s suggests there’s assistance for bowlers, pacers in particular.
Weather:
With the temperature expected to hover around 25°C and no chance of rain, we are in for a complete game of cricket. The overhead will be partly cloudy, light winds are expected, and the humidity will be at 83%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Koitai Mataora, Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga, Tetiare Mataora, Maya Piakura, Melaia Biu, Cilia Lewatu, Karalaini Vakuruivalu, Angite Ruarau, Sonnia Vaia, Ana Gonerara, Lagakali Lomani
Match details:
Date – January 17, 2024
Time – 7:30 AM IST
Venue – Lloyd Elsmore Park 1, Auckland
Broadcast – A live stream link to the game will be made available.
Loves all things female cricket