The previous two series between these two countries have been whitewashes to Fiji. But this time, Vanuatu showed great improvement to win the series 2-1, completing the playing standards requirements for associate membership of the ICC.

The series was being played in Vanuatu for the first time, on the turf wicket facility at KaZaa Field in Port Vila.

Vanuatu got off to a great start with a six wicket win in the first match - their first over Fiji since the 1979 South Pacific games, when they were still the New Hebrides and jointly ruled by the UK and France. They continued their form with a 97 run win in the second match.

Vanuatu batted first, and opening batsmen D Smith led the way with 84. Captain Andrew Mansale also chipped in with 59 as Vanuatu racked up 329/7 from their 50 overs. Fiji didn't help their situation with some wayward bowling, sending down 29 runs in wides.

In Fiji's reply, Jone Seuvou and Iniasi Cakacaka batted well, scoring 53 and 44 respectively, but no other batsmen got a start and they were bowled out for 232. Simpson Obed was the pick of the Vanuatu bowlers, taking 4/51 with his leg spin.

Fiji did bounce back with a 32 run win in yesterday's third match, but it was a case of "too little, too late". Fiji may be fielding a few youngsters in what was almost a development squad, but the way in which they lost the two matches will be a cause for concern as they look ahead to WCL Division Five next year.

Results

Vanuatu beat Fiji by 97 runs
KaZaa Field, Port Vila, 7 May
Vanuatu 329/7 (50 overs, D Smith 84, A Mansale 59, J Dunn 43)
Fiji 232 (46.4 overs, J Seuvou 53, I Cakacaka 44, S Obed 4/51)

Vanuatu lost to Fiji by 32 runs
KaZaa Field, Port Vila, 8 May
Fiji 151 (34.1 overs, P Rika 38, P Matautaava 3/15)
Vanuatu 119 (30.4 overs, J Dabea 3/22, I Cakacaka 3/25)