The 2024 Domestic Shield 40 Over Competition saw Round 3 wrap up with two dominant performances, as both Mighty Panthers and North Efate Bushpigs secured comfortable victories, keeping them firmly in contention for the semifinals.
In the first match, Mighty Panthers showed their strength with a comprehensive 9-wicket victory over Tafea Cricket Club. Batting first, Tafea Cricket Club was under constant pressure from the Panthers' bowling attack, collapsing to 49 for 7 in just 12.4 overs. Neto Wotu led the charge with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 25 runs in his 6.4 overs, while Nalin Nipiko contributed 3 wickets for 23 runs in 6 overs. Tafea’s batsmen struggled to find any momentum, with Rodrick Lekai being the only player to make a notable contribution, scoring 11 off 12 balls. The rest of the lineup failed to reach double figures as Tafea's innings crumbled early.
Mighty Panthers made quick work of the chase, reaching 52 for 1 in just 4.4 overs. Nalin Nipiko, continuing his all-round performance, smashed an unbeaten 31 off 14 balls, hitting 4 boundaries and a six at a strike rate of 221.43. Despite losing Brian Tari for 12, the Panthers cruised to a 9-wicket win with Surya Lekai finishing unbeaten on 8. This victory further solidified Mighty Panthers' position on the points table as they look ahead to securing their place in the semifinals.
In the second match, North Efate Bushpigs displayed their dominance over Paama Sharks, chasing down 152 with ease to win by 8 wickets. Paama Sharks batted first and were bowled out for 151 in 32.4 overs. Jamal Vira was the standout performer for Paama Sharks, scoring 78 off 98 balls, including 7 boundaries and 3 sixes. Vira’s efforts were vital in rescuing Paama from early trouble, as the Sharks were 4 wickets down for just 7 runs at one point. Stephane Sandy contributed with 32 not out, but extras (30) played a significant role in boosting Paama's total.
North Efate Bushpigs' bowlers, led by Nick Venables (4 wickets for 28 runs) and Ronald Tari (3 wickets for 26 runs), restricted the Sharks and kept them under pressure throughout the innings. Chasing 152, North Efate Bushpigs made the target look easy, reaching 154 for 2 in just 18 overs. Captain Ronald Tari played a blistering knock of 55 off 45 balls, supported by Nick Venables, who added 34 off 37 balls. Tom Adams finished unbeaten on 29 off 19 balls, while George Malas contributed 8 not out, as the Bushpigs comfortably wrapped up the win, further cementing their position at the top of the points table.
Points Table after Round 3:
North Efate Bushpigs – 5 points
Mighty Panthers – 4 points
Tafea Cricket Club – 3 points
Splashe Mele Bulls – 0 points
Paama Sharks – 0 points
Looking Ahead:
Round 4 will be critical as the teams battle for semifinal spots. North Efate Bushpigs and Mighty Panthers remain favorites, while Tafea Cricket Club, Splashe Mele Bulls, and Paama Sharks will be vying for the remaining spots in the semifinals. With the competition tightening, the final matches in the group stage will determine the top four teams who will advance to the semifinals, where the top-seeded team will face the fourth-placed team, and the second-seeded team will play the third-placed team.
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