In a thrilling Quarter Final of the Men's PCS Independence Cup 2024, Tafea Cricket Club edged out North Efate Bush Pigs by 2 wickets to advance to the semifinals.
North Efate Bush Pigs Innings:
Opting to bat first, North Efate Bush Pigs struggled to build momentum throughout their innings, eventually posting a total of 126 for 7 in 19.5 overs. The innings was anchored by Samuel Strid, who scored a steady 32 off 24 balls. Ronald Tari provided a quick-fire 15 off 7 balls, maintaining a strike rate of 214.29. Clement Tommy contributed 13 off 7 balls before falling to Wamejo Wotu. Nick Venables and Aaron Strid added 11 and 13 runs respectively but were unable to form significant partnerships.
Tom Adams remained not out with 12 off 26 balls, and Harry Unknown scored 10 off 14 balls before being dismissed by Sani Zacharie. Sani also claimed the wicket of Stanley Iata for a duck. Ben Pechan, batting at the end, added an unbeaten 12 off 12 balls. Extras contributed 8 runs to the total, highlighting some loose bowling by Tafea Sandalwood.
The Tafea Sandalwood bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Williamsing Nalisa was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs in his 4 overs. Sani Zacharie also impressed, claiming 2 wickets for 20 runs in his 4 overs. Darren Wotu and Wamejo Wotu chipped in with a wicket each, while Rodrick Lekai maintained an economical spell, conceding just 15 runs in his 4 overs.
Tafea Sandalwood Innings:
Chasing a target of 127, Tafea Sandalwood faced early setbacks as Wamejo Wotu was dismissed for 10 off 5 balls by Nick Venables. Junior Niroa struggled, managing only 2 runs off 14 balls before being bowled by Samuel Strid. Julian Tommy was stumped by Clement Tommy off Nick Venables for 2 runs, leaving Tafea Sandalwood in trouble.
However, Williamsing Nalisa anchored the chase with a crucial 38 off 28 balls. His innings included several key boundaries that kept Tafea Sandalwood in the hunt. Remondo Lekai provided valuable support, scoring 24 off 20 balls before being dismissed by Ben Pechan. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, including captain Rodrick Lekai for 4 and Vakessa Nauni for 2, Darren Wotu played a crucial unbeaten knock of 16 off 11 balls to guide his team to victory. Revaldo Teana remained not out with 2 off 7 balls.
The North Efate Bush Pigs bowlers fought hard to defend their total. Nick Venables was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 17 runs in his 4 overs. Stanley Iata and Samuel Strid also contributed with a wicket each, while Ronald Tari and Ben Pechan claimed a wicket apiece. Despite their efforts, Tafea Sandalwood reached the target with 9 balls to spare, finishing at 127 for 8 in 18.3 overs.
Paama Sharks' Kendrick and Viraliuliu Power to Victory in High-Scoring Clash
In a thrilling encounter at the Port Vila Men's T20 Championship, Paama Sharks secured a dominant victory over Tusker Panthers, with standout performances from Curren Kendrick and Bethan Viraliuliu leading the charge.
Paama Sharks Innings:
Opting to bat first, Paama Sharks set a formidable total of 213 for 4 in 19.1 overs. The innings was anchored by Curren Kendrick, who played a scintillating knock of 74 runs off 47 balls, laced with 11 boundaries, maintaining a strike rate of 157.45. Kendrick's aggressive stroke play provided the foundation for a massive total.
Bethan Viraliuliu complemented Kendrick's effort with an equally impressive unbeaten 77 off 49 balls, also hitting 11 boundaries and maintaining a strike rate of 157.14. Together, they formed a formidable partnership, putting the Panthers' bowlers under immense pressure.
Jamal Vira contributed a brisk 22 off 15 balls at the top of the order, setting the tone for the innings, while William Laumae added a quick 4 off 2 balls. Jody Fred chipped in with 3 runs off 2 balls towards the end. The Sharks capitalized on the Panthers' indiscipline, with extras contributing a significant 33 runs, including 30 wides.
Tusker Panthers' bowling unit struggled to contain the onslaught. Neto Wotu was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 40 runs in his 4 overs. Suria Rajen claimed 1 wicket for 36 runs, while K Tari, Joshua Rasu, Daniel Nathaniel, and Charlie Jacob went wicketless, with each conceding runs at an economy rate above 9.
Tusker Panthers' Chase:
Chasing a daunting target of 214, the Tusker Panthers started positively, with Joshua Rasu playing a blistering innings of 54 runs off 26 balls, including 5 boundaries and 3 sixes, achieving an impressive strike rate of 207.69. K Tari also played a crucial role, scoring 56 off 44 balls, with 5 boundaries and 2 sixes.
However, despite the strong start, the Panthers' middle and lower order crumbled under the pressure exerted by the Sharks' bowlers. Suria Rajen managed 7 runs off 7 balls before being stumped by Stephane Sandy, while Christopher Nasak fell for a duck. Ravin Aru scored 2 off 11 balls, and Neto Wotu made a quick 7 off 3 balls, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide.
The Sharks' bowling attack was led by Stephane Sandy, who claimed 3 wickets for 34 runs in his 4 overs. Justin Sarginson and Obed Yosef provided excellent support, taking 2 wickets each for 21 and 17 runs, respectively. Jamal Vira and Steward Sandy also chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring the Panthers were restricted to 151 for 9 in 18.2 overs, falling short by 62 runs.
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