2 Feb 2016

Sport: Dropped catches cost Fiji cricketers

8:29 am on 2 February 2016

Poor fielding proved costly yet again for Fiji in their latest defeat at the Under 19 Cricket World Cup.

The tournament newcomers were thrashed by 262 runs against the West Indies, conceding 340 runs in 50 overs before being dimissed for just 78.

It followed similar defeats against England and Zimbabwe.

Despite the heavy defeat, Cakacaka Tikoisuva starred with the ball, claiming 6 for 59 from his ten overs, while Peni Vuniwaqa added 29 with the bat.

Coach Shane Jurgensen believed the players have shown improvements throughout the group phase but basic mistakes continue to let them down.

"We dropped a catch when they were none for 16 and then that person got 50 or 60 or 70. Then all of a sudden we went bang bang bang - we got three wickets - and then you wouldn't believe it, we dropped another catch and then that person got a hundred. Unfortunately, particularly with our fielding, which has been one of our strengths previously, we just haven't been able to nail those key moments and we've actually dropped - dare I say - 20 catches in three matches."

The Fiji squad now has a few days off and will get to play at least three more matches in the tournament.

The Fiji Under 19 team at the World Cup in Bangladesh.

The Fiji Under 19 team at the World Cup in Bangladesh. Photo: Cricket Fiji