Vanuatu vs Fiji Predictions - Nipiko to crush Fiji attack and leave them with wooden spoon

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 23 Aug 2024

Simon Lewis 23 Aug 2024

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Vanuatu vs Fiji in East Asia-Pacific Region T20 CWC qualifier.
Vanuatu’s Nalin Nipiko top-scored with 73 off 52 balls against Samoa.
Fiji aims to end Vanuatu's winning streak – match at 10:30 PM SAST on Thursday.

Nalin Nipiko appeals against Norway (credit: Facebook)

Vanuatu vs Fiji Predictions

Fiji have never beaten Vanuatu in T20I cricket and they have a very inexperienced side. Vanuatu have not been in good form, but they beat Fiji three matches ago so I expect them to take their sixth win from six matches against their fellow islanders.

Vanuatu’s Nalin Nipiko has scored 24, 23, 73 & 38 in his last 5 innings.
Vanuatu’s Junior Kaltapau has scored 25, 31* & 28* in his last 4 innings.
Fiji’s Peni Vuniwaqa has scored 30, 30 & 39 in his last 3 innings.
Fiji’s Apete Sokovagone has scored 23, 19, 19, 62 & 23 in his last 5 innings.

Head-to-Head

Vanuatu have won all five of the T20I matches between the two sides.

Vanuatu Form

After beating Fiji by 36 runs, Vanuatu lost their next two matches on the bounce.

Vanuatu scored 125/9 off their 20 overs against the Cook Islands, Nalin Nipiko top-scoring with 38 off 31 balls.

Cook Islands raced to the win off just 16.2 overs, losing just three wickets. Tim Cutler’s figures of 4-0-21-1 (econ 5.25) were the best figures for Vanuatu.

Vanuatu Team News

Vanuatu need a big improvement in their batting and bowling after some poor performances recently.

Fiji Form

After beating the Cook Islands by 104 runs, Fiji were beaten by Samoa by 73 runs to make it three losses from four matches.

Samoa piled on the runs, batting at 9.15 runs to the over to end on 183/5 off their 20 overs, despite tight bowling from Peni Kotoisuva (2/25) and Joeli Moala (0/16, econ 5.33).

Fiji got off to a great start, reaching 93/3 inside 12 overs thanks to skipper Peni Vuniwaqa 39 off 23 balls, which included three sixes. Their middle order and tail imploded, losing seven wickets for 17 runs in three-and-a-half overs.