In a commanding display of cricketing excellence, Splashe Mele Bulls Women emerged victorious in the grand finale of the Women's PCS Independence Cup 2024, defeating Paama Sharks Women by 9 wickets. The final, held on July 27, 2024, saw the Bulls dominate both with the ball and the bat, underscoring their supremacy in the tournament.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Paama Sharks Women struggled to establish a solid footing against a disciplined bowling attack from the Splashe Mele Bulls. The innings started disastrously with early wickets tumbling. Naitha Simelum was run out for just 1, and Florian Aaron was dismissed for a duck by Vicky Mansale, leaving the Sharks reeling. Susan Stephen provided a brief resistance with a 15-run contribution off 17 balls but was soon caught off the bowling of Augustina Mansale.
Captain Vanessa Vira attempted to anchor the innings with a gritty 31 off 41 balls, showcasing her resilience under pressure. However, wickets continued to fall around her. Wilma Maite (1), Maeva Vira (0), and Natalia Kakor (17) struggled to build partnerships, with Kakor being the only other batter to reach double figures. The lower order failed to add significant runs, and the Sharks were eventually bowled out for a paltry 86 runs in 19 overs. Extras contributed a notable 17 runs to the total, highlighting some indiscipline in the Bulls' bowling.
The Splashe Mele Bulls bowlers were relentless, with Augustina Mansale leading the charge. She took 3 wickets for just 16 runs in her 4 overs, including the key wickets of Susan Stephen and Ruth Nako. M Mete delivered a stellar performance, claiming 2 for 21 in her 4 overs, effectively stifling the Sharks' scoring opportunities. Vicky Mansale and Leimauri Chilia also chipped in with a wicket each, while the fielding unit executed three crucial run-outs, putting immense pressure on the Sharks.
Chasing a modest target of 87, the Splashe Mele Bulls Women approached the innings with confidence and aggression. Openers Valenta Langiatu and Gillian Chilia set the tone for the chase. Langiatu, with her aggressive batting, scored a quickfire 40 off 28 balls, including four boundaries, before being caught by Naitha Simelum off Natalia Kakor. Her innings ensured that the Bulls were always ahead of the required run rate.
Gillian Chilia played a composed innings, remaining unbeaten on 32 off 39 balls, guiding her team to victory. She was well-supported by Alvina Chilia, who scored 6 not out off 9 balls. The pair ensured there were no further hiccups as the Bulls reached the target in just 12.1 overs, finishing at 87 for 1.
The Sharks' bowlers had little impact on the game. Natalia Kakor was the only successful bowler, taking 1 for 29 in her 4 overs. Vanessa Vira bowled economically, conceding only 16 runs in her 4 overs, but the small target left her with little to defend. Maeva Vira, Pati Meltetake, and Wilma Maite also bowled but could not stem the flow of runs.
This comprehensive victory by Splashe Mele Bulls Women highlights their dominance throughout the tournament. Their bowlers set the tone by restricting the Sharks to a low total, and the batsmen followed up with a clinical chase. This performance not only earned them the championship title but also cemented their status as the premier team in the Women's PCS Independence Cup 2024.
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