In the first of the two captivating semi-final clashes of the PCS Independence Cup 2024, Tafea Sandalwood showcased their dominance, clinching a well-earned victory over Paama Sharks by 5 wickets. The match, held on July 20th, was a testament to Tafea Sandalwood’s resilience and strategic brilliance, securing their place in the much-anticipated final.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Paama Sharks faced immediate pressure from Tafea Sandalwood's disciplined bowling attack. The top order struggled to build momentum, with Bethan Viraliuliu managing 23 runs off 21 balls before falling to Wamejo Wotu. Curren Kendrick’s innings of 11 off 17 balls was cut short by Shay Narai, leaving the Sharks at 34/2. Obed Yosef contributed 6 off 9 balls before being bowled by Williamsing Nalisa, and Stephane Sandy added just 2 off 4 balls before falling to Narai.
Jamal Vira emerged as the standout performer for the Sharks, delivering a crucial 43 off 28 balls, including two boundaries and three sixes. His efforts were pivotal in anchoring the innings. However, Vira's dismissal by Rodrick Lekai initiated a middle-order collapse. William Laumae was dismissed for a duck, caught by Rodrick Lekai off Williamsing Nalisa. Jody Fred managed to add 7 runs off 10 balls before being caught off Darren Wotu’s bowling, and Steward Sandy could only muster 1 run off 6 balls before falling to Wotu as well.
The lower order attempted to salvage the innings, with Brennan Meyer scoring an unbeaten 4 off 4 balls. Josiah Lental added just 1 run before being caught by Tom Adams off Darren Wotu’s delivery, while Justin Sarginson remained not out on 1 off 1 ball. The Sharks were bowled out for 109 in 18.1 overs, with extras contributing 10 runs to the total.
Tafea Sandalwood’s bowlers were relentless in their attack. Darren Wotu was particularly impressive, taking 2 wickets for just 8 runs in his 4 overs. Williamsing Nalisa also shone, claiming 2 wickets for 14 runs in his 4 overs. Wamejo Wotu and Shay Narai each picked up 2 wickets as well, while Rodrick Lekai took 1 wicket for 11 runs in his 3 overs. Their collective efforts kept the Sharks' batting lineup under constant pressure, preventing them from building any significant partnerships.
Chasing a target of 110, Tafea Sandalwood’s innings started with a steady pace. Wamejo Wotu scored a brisk 11 off 7 balls before falling to Steward Sandy. Junior Niroa then anchored the innings with a composed 35 off 44 balls, including two boundaries and a six. Despite his solid performance, Tafea faced some pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals. Remondo Lekai added 5 runs before being caught off Steward Sandy’s delivery, while captain Rodrick Lekai managed 4 off 13 balls, caught off Brennan Meyer. Williamsing Nalisa scored a quick 7 off 5 balls but was caught by Obed Yosef off Brennan Meyer, leaving Tafea at 62/5.
With the game hanging in the balance, Vakessa Nauni and Darren Wotu stepped up to steer their team home. Nauni played a crucial unbeaten knock of 21 off 16 balls, including two sixes, while Wotu contributed 16 not out off 11 balls. Their partnership ensured Tafea Sandalwood reached the target with 1.3 overs to spare, finishing at 110/5 in 18.3 overs. Extras once again played a role, contributing 11 runs to the total.
Tafea Sandalwood’s bowlers were the key to their victory, with Darren Wotu leading the charge with figures of 4-0-8-2. Williamsing Nalisa supported him well, with 4-0-14-2. Wamejo Wotu and Shay Narai also played crucial roles, each taking 2 wickets to keep the pressure on the Sharks. Their disciplined bowling and sharp fielding were instrumental in restricting the Sharks to a modest total.
In the second semi-final of the Men's PCS Independence Cup 2024, the Mighty Saints emerged victorious with a commanding 34-run win over the Splashe Mele Bulls. The match, held on July 20th, was a testament to the Saints' superior bowling and strategic gameplay, securing their spot in the tournament final.
Batting first, the Mighty Saints faced an early challenge as they lost wickets in quick succession. Nalin Nipiko provided a solid start with an aggressive 39 off 29 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes, setting a brisk pace. However, support from the other end was sporadic. Lazaro Carlot managed just 3 runs before being dismissed by Wally Mansale, and Landale Tamalua was bowled for a duck by the same bowler. Simpson Obed added 11 runs off 19 balls but fell to Jacky Bangalulu, who was a thorn in the Saints' side throughout the innings.
The middle order crumbled under pressure, with SM Meltetake scoring 3 runs and Junioralfred Carlot adding another 3, both falling cheaply. Steve Sandy and Neil Malosu made minor contributions of 4 and 6 runs respectively, but it was Shem Sala who provided some late resistance with a quickfire 12 off 10 balls. The Saints' innings concluded at 109 all out in 17.2 overs, with extras playing a significant role by adding 24 runs to the total.
The Splashe Mele Bulls’ bowlers maintained a disciplined approach, with Jacky Bangalulu leading the attack, claiming 3 wickets for just 12 runs in his 4 overs. Wally Mansale was equally effective, taking 2 wickets for 32 runs. Rashid Bangalulu and Kaltonga Numalo also chipped in with crucial wickets, ensuring that the Saints couldn't build any substantial partnerships.
Chasing a modest target of 110, the Splashe Mele Bulls got off to a shaky start. Rival Samson was trapped lbw by Steve Sandy for 3 runs, and Kaltonga Numalo fell to Simpson Obed after scoring 10 off 11 balls. Marcel Taea showed some resistance with a well-played 19 off 18 balls, but his dismissal by Steve Sandy left the Bulls in a precarious position.
Jacky Bangalulu played a fighting knock of 21 off 15 balls, striking two boundaries and a six, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to cope with the disciplined Saints' bowling. Ori Bangalulu was dismissed for a duck, and Roro Kaltanak could only manage 1 run before falling to Nalin Nipiko, who was the standout bowler for the Saints, taking 3 wickets for just 6 runs in his 4 overs.
The lower order offered little resistance as wickets continued to tumble. Rashid Bangalulu, Wally Mansale, and Adrian Masaurakalo were dismissed cheaply, and the Bulls were eventually bowled out for 75 in 16.5 overs. Extras contributed 8 runs to their total, but it wasn't enough to bridge the gap.
The Mighty Saints' bowlers executed their plans to perfection. Steve Sandy was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 13 runs in his 4 overs. Nalin Nipiko's economical spell and crucial breakthroughs earned him figures of 4-0-6-3. Edwell Kalfau also played a pivotal role, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs, while Simpson Obed provided valuable support with 1 wicket for 18 runs.
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