The final round of the 2024 Domestic Shield 40 Over Competition has concluded, setting the stage for the semifinals. Both Splashe Mele Bulls and Mighty Panthers secured crucial victories in the last round, sealing their spots in the top four alongside North Efate Bushpigs and Tafea Cricket Club. These four teams will now face off for a chance to claim the Domestic Shield title in what promises to be an exciting finish to the season.
Match 1: Splashe Mele Bulls vs. Paama Sharks
In the first match, Splashe Mele Bulls overcame Paama Sharks in a closely contested battle. Paama Sharks batted first and posted 140 for 7 in just 19.5 overs. Jamal Vira was the standout performer for the Sharks, scoring an impressive 67 off 48 balls, including 7 boundaries and 3 sixes. His knock helped stabilize the Sharks after a shaky start, as they lost 4 wickets for just 15 runs. Brennan Meyer also contributed with a solid 42 from 30 balls, but the Sharks were unable to capitalize fully on the platform set by Vira and Meyer.
Splashe Mele Bulls bowlers, led by Wally Mansale and Jacky Bangalulu, restricted the Sharks with key wickets at crucial moments. Mansale took 2 wickets for 24 runs in his 4 overs, while Bangalulu was especially effective with the ball, finishing with 2 wickets for just 3 runs in 1.5 overs.
In response, Rival Samson played a match-winning innings for Splashe Mele Bulls, scoring 74 not out off 56 balls. His fluent batting, marked by 11 boundaries, ensured that the Bulls chased down the target of 141 in just 17.4 overs. Samson’s aggressive start set the tone for the Bulls’ innings, while Worek Delarue contributed a valuable 20 off 13 balls. Despite a late effort from Paama Sharks’ bowlers, including Obed Yosef, who took 2 wickets, Splashe Mele Bulls secured a comfortable 6-wicket win, ensuring their progression to the semifinals.
Match 2: Mighty Panthers vs. North Efate Bushpigs
The second match of the day saw Mighty Panthers deliver a clinical performance against North Efate Bushpigs, winning by 10 wickets. Batting first, North Efate Bushpigs struggled to 105 for 7 in 26.5 overs. Tim Cutler top-scored with 20 off 18 balls, while William Adams added 19 off 61 balls. However, the Bushpigs were undone by the precise bowling of Neto Wotu and Surya Lekai from the Mighty Panthers. Wotu, who has been in fine form throughout the tournament, picked up 3 wickets for 30 runs in his 7 overs, while Lekai was equally effective, taking 2 wickets for 17 runs in his 8 overs.
Chasing a modest target of 106, Mighty Panthers made light work of the task, reaching the target in just 16.2 overs without losing a wicket. K Tari led the way with a commanding 60 not out off 59 balls, including 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. His opening partner, Surya Lekai, provided solid support with an unbeaten 32 off 40 balls. Together, they ensured that Mighty Panthers secured the win with ease, completing the group stage in first place on the points table.
End of Regular Season Player Standings:
Most Runs:
Jamal Vira (Paama Sharks) – 188 runs in 4 matches
Top score: 78, Strike rate: 88.68, Average: 47.00
K Tari (Mighty Panthers) – 136 runs in 4 matches
Top score: 60, Strike rate: 109.68, Average: 136.00
Rival Samson (Splashe Mele Bulls) – 133 runs in 3 matches
Top score: 74, Strike rate: 147.78, Average: 133.00
Most Wickets:
Jacky Bangalulu (Splashe Mele Bulls) – 8 wickets in 3 matches
Best bowling: 3 for 18, Economy rate: 3.97
Neto Wotu (Mighty Panthers) – 8 wickets in 3 matches
Best bowling: 4 for 25, Economy rate: 4.45
Nalin Nipiko (Mighty Panthers) – 7 wickets in 2 matches
Best bowling: 4 for 22, Economy rate: 3.21
Player Rankings (Based on CricClubs Points System):
Jamal Vira (Paama Sharks) – 399 points
Breakdown: Batting (247), Bowling (144), Fielding (8)
K Tari (Mighty Panthers) – 374 points
Breakdown: Batting (183), Bowling (130), Fielding (36), Other (25)
Nalin Nipiko (Mighty Panthers) – 317 points
Breakdown: Batting (71), Bowling (201), Fielding (20), Other (25)
Paama Sharks Captain, Jamal Vira, wins the regular season MVP despite his team failing to qualify for the finals
Upcoming Semifinal Matchups:
With the regular season now complete, the top four teams will advance to the semifinals. North Efate Bushpigs, Mighty Panthers, Splashe Mele Bulls, and Tafea Cricket Club will battle it out for a spot in the grand final. The semifinals will follow the standard format where the first-placed team will face the fourth-placed team, and the second-placed team will take on the third-placed team.
Semifinal 1: Mighty Panthers (1st) vs. Tafea Cricket Club (4th), Digicel Vanuatu Cricket Ground 1, 10am, 19th October 2024
Semifinal 2: North Efate Bushpigs (2nd) vs. Splashe Mele Bulls (3rd), Digicel Vanuatu Cricket Ground 2, 10am, 19th October 2024
With several standout performers from the regular season, both semifinals promise to be fiercely contested as teams vie for a place in the final and a shot at the 2024 Domestic Shield title.
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