11 Sep 2015

Sport: Relegation clash looms for Fiji cricketers

10:49 am on 11 September 2015

Fiji face a must-win clash to stay in the World Cricket Leagues after ending the group stage without a win.

The Pacific Island side suffered another batting collapse in their final group match against Botswana slumping from 146 for 2 to be all out for 211.

Botswana were reeling at 3-2 in the second over of their run-chase but the African side recovered to reach their target with eight balls to spare.

Giles Smith was dismissed for 35 in the Fijian innings and says it was a case of deja vu.

"We're making the same mistakes repeatedly. The same thing happened the other day and we just need to very quickly make the adjustments necessary to be able close an innings and close out and justify the good starts that we're making so yeah obviously [we're] disappointed. We're not doing enough in the middle and down the order. It's across the board really with the bat - people need to start taking ownership and taking responsibility and converting and standing up, I guess".

Fiji take on the Cayman Islands later tonight with the loser of that match to be relegated from the World Cricket Leagues.

Fiji men's team at the launch for World Cricket League 6.

Fiji men's team at the launch for World Cricket League 6. Photo: Cricket Fiji