Round 2 of the Port Vila T20 Championship kicked off this weekend, with the clubs based in Port Vila eager to either rebuild or enhance their season's beginnings.
In the highlight match of the round, the clash between Tusker Panthers and Paama Sharks was an absolute thriller. Batting first, Paama Sharks managed to put up a formidable total of 181/4 in their 20 overs, with Curran Kendrick's massive 126 runs setting the tone as the young man notched his maiden T20 hundred for the Sharks. However, it was a disciplined bowling performance from Tusker Panthers that kept the total in check at 181, averting what could have been a significant victory.
In response, the Panthers chased down the target with three balls to spare, propelled by an unnerving knock from English import Giri Rathakrishnan, who scored 90 runs for his side, supported by Surya Rajen, with the team ending at 182/1 in 19.3 overs. This victory handed the Sharks their second loss of the season and marked a strong comeback for the Panthers following last week's defeat to the Splashe Mele Bulls.
At Vanuatu Cricket Ground 1, another match unfolded between Mighty Saints CC and Tafea Cricket Club, resulting in another landslide victory for Tafea. Mighty Saints, led by Simpson Obed's impressive 44 runs, set a competitive target of 106 runs in their allotted 20 overs. However, it was the batsmen of Tafea Cricket Club, particularly Wamejo Wotu, who stole the show with a blistering 68 runs off 30 deliveries, guiding their team to a comfortable victory in just 8.2 overs. Wotu's aggressive batting display, featuring 10 boundaries and seven sixes, dismantled the Sharks' bowlers and secured victory for Tafea.
The final match of the round, hosted at Vanuatu Cricket Ground 2, saw a showdown between North Efate Bushpigs and Splashe Mele Bulls. From the onset, it was the Ronald Tari show, with the all-rounder smashing 89 runs off just 47 balls, leading his side to a total of 167 runs. Worek Tastuki managed a commendable 3 wickets along the way.
The Bushpigs continued their dominance, bolstered by Stanley Iatas' 4 wickets for 25 runs, as they bowled out the Bulls for just 50 runs in a landslide victory, making a resounding statement ahead of the season.
Current Standings:
Team | Pld | W | L | Drw | Abd | Pts | Total | NRR | |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | +6.438 | ||
2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3.0 | 3.0 | +5.850 | ||
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | -0.133 | ||
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | -2.769 | ||
2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | -7.540 | ||
2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | -2.635 |
MVP Standings:
Paama Sharks | 2 | 20.43 | 2.2 | 0.0 | 22.63 | ||
2 | North Efate Bush Pigs | 1 | 14.77 | 3.95 | 0.0 | 18.72 | |
3 | Splashe Mele Bulls | 2 | 5.03 | 11.84 | 0.0 | 16.87 | |
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