In the first semi-final of the Women's PCS Independence Cup 2024, held on July 20th, Paama Sharks Women showcased a dominant performance to secure a comprehensive 79-run victory over Ifira Black Birds Women, booking their spot in the grand final.
Batting first, Paama Sharks Women posted an imposing total of 156 for 2 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings started cautiously with early dismissals as Salinda Reve was bowled by RV Andrew for 13 runs off 24 balls, and Natalia Kakor was trapped lbw by RA Kaltongga for a single run. However, the steadying influence of Susan Stephen, who played a masterful unbeaten knock of 60 runs off 54 balls, and Vanessa Vira, who added an invaluable 34 not out off 42 balls, ensured the Sharks maintained a strong run rate. The pair exhibited great composure and determination, anchoring the innings with a well-constructed partnership.
Extras contributed significantly to the total, with Ifira Black Birds' bowlers conceding 48 runs in extras, including 42 wides, which added crucial runs to the Sharks' total. RV Andrew was the pick of the bowlers for the Black Birds, taking 1 for 21 in her 4 overs. RA Kaltongga, despite taking a wicket, was expensive, conceding 34 runs in her 4 overs. The rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain the Sharks, with Gabby Kaltonga and Lising Enoch proving costly in their spells.
Chasing a target of 157, Ifira Black Birds Women faced an uphill battle from the outset. RV Andrew was the first to fall, caught by Salinda Reve off Natalia Kakor for just 2 runs. Leisau Andrew provided some resistance with a steady 27 off 34 balls, while RA Kaltongga played an aggressive innings, scoring 30 off 28 balls, including one boundary and a six. Despite their efforts, the Black Birds struggled to form significant partnerships and maintain the required run rate.
Paama Sharks' bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, led by Natalia Kakor, who took 2 wickets for just 13 runs in her 4 overs. Pati Meltetake also impressed with figures of 2 for 20 in her 3 overs, including the crucial wickets of RA Kaltongga and Lising Enoch. The rest of the bowling attack maintained tight lines and lengths, ensuring the Black Birds never got into a rhythm. Vanessa Vira bowled economically, conceding only 12 runs in her 3 overs.
The middle and lower order of Ifira Black Birds failed to contribute significantly, with Gabby Kaltonga remaining not out on 3 and Qwenneth Joesph on 1 as the team was restricted to 77 for 4 in 14.2 overs. Extras once again played a role, adding 8 runs to their total, but it was insufficient to challenge the formidable target set by the Sharks.
In the second semi-final of the Women's PCS Independence Cup 2024, Splashe Mele Bulls Women secured an emphatic 65-run victory over Tafea Cricket Club Women, booking their place in the final with a dominant all-round performance.
Batting first, Splashe Mele Bulls Women posted an imposing total of 185 for 6 in 19.1 overs. The innings was anchored by a scintillating knock from Valenta Langiatu, who scored 75 off 53 balls, including six boundaries. Despite losing Louise Tastuki early for 2 runs, Langiatu's aggressive play kept the scoreboard ticking. Vicky Mansale added a brisk 15 off 8 balls, while Gillian Chilia chipped in with 10 off 5 balls. The middle order saw contributions from Leimauri Chilia with 14 off 8 balls and Alvina Chilia with a quickfire 31 off 19 balls, featuring two sixes. Extras played a significant role, adding 27 runs to the total, reflecting some indiscipline in Tafea's bowling attack.
Tafea Cricket Club's bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, Nasimana Navaika was the most economical, taking 1 for 23 in her 4 overs. However, the rest of the bowlers were expensive, with Happilyn Vakessa and Numa Nalissa leaking runs.
Chasing a daunting target of 186, Tafea Cricket Club Women found themselves in early trouble. Giselle Lekai was bowled by Joy Mansale for just 1 run, followed by Numa Nalissa, who was dismissed by Vicky Mansale for 1. Nasimana Navaika was the lone warrior for Tafea, scoring a valiant 90 off 62 balls, including 12 boundaries and a six. Despite her efforts, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled around her. Vicky Mansale was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 13 in her 4 overs, while Joy Mansale also impressed with figures of 3 for 26.
The lower order offered little resistance, with Happilyn Vakessa being the only other player to reach double figures, scoring 6 off 19 balls. Tafea Cricket Club was restricted to 120 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling well short of the target. Extras once again played a significant role, contributing 19 runs to Tafea's total.
The victory was a comprehensive display of both batting and bowling prowess by Splashe Mele Bulls Women, who will now look forward to the final with great confidence. Tafea Cricket Club Women, despite the heroics of Nasimana Navaika, were outplayed and will aim to regroup for future competitions. The final promises to be an exciting clash as Splashe Mele Bulls Women take on their opponents with the championship title at stake.
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