In a thrilling Round 4 encounter of the Women's League, the Splashe Mele Bulls Women edged out the North Efate Bush Pigs Women by 12 runs in a tightly contested match. The game showcased exceptional performances from both sides, with the Bulls ultimately emerging victorious.
Batting first, the Splashe Mele Bulls Women posted a modest total of 103 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings began with early setbacks as Malonie Vatoko fell for a duck, bowled by Melanie Shem. Louise Tastuki added 10 runs off 18 balls before being caught, leaving the Bulls at 25 for 2. However, captain M Mete played a crucial innings, anchoring the side with an unbeaten 47 off 55 balls, displaying great resilience and composure. Joy Mansale chipped in with 11 runs off 16 balls, and Olive Mansale contributed 17 off 26 balls, helping to stabilize the innings. Extras proved vital, adding 16 runs to the total and bolstering the Bulls’ score.
The North Efate Bush Pigs’ bowlers maintained a disciplined approach throughout. Melanie Shem was particularly effective, taking 1 for 18 in her four overs. Salinda Reve and Anais Stephen also picked up a wicket each, while Elisa Kakor was the standout bowler with figures of 2 for 20 in her four overs, consistently applying pressure on the Bulls' batting lineup.
Chasing a target of 104, the North Efate Bush Pigs Women faced immediate challenges. Raila Copman was dismissed for a duck by Louise Tastuki, who then also took the wicket of Salinda Reve for 5. Captain Selina Solman led the fightback with a valiant 52 off 35 balls, including seven boundaries, but the Bush Pigs struggled to build partnerships around her. Malonie Vatoko played a crucial role in dismantling the chase, taking 3 for 21 in her three overs, including the pivotal wicket of Solman. Olive Mansale and M Mete further tightened the screws, claiming 2 for 20 and 2 for 10 respectively.
Despite a brief resistance from Anais Stephen, who scored a quickfire 16 off 8 balls, the lower order faltered under pressure. The Bush Pigs were eventually bowled out for 91 in 18.1 overs. Extras again played a role, contributing 17 runs to the Bush Pigs' total, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
In a gripping Round 4 encounter of the Women's League, the Ifira Black Birds Women triumphed over the Paama Sharks Women by 5 wickets, chasing down a target of 86 in the final over. The match was a showcase of resilience and strategic play, with both teams battling hard to gain an edge.
Batting first, the Paama Sharks Women managed to post a total of 85 for 7 in their allotted 12 overs. Captain Vanessa Vira provided a steady start with 17 runs off 21 balls before being dismissed by Sue Yalin. NK Kakor and Florian Eron contributed modest scores of 5 each, but it was Susan Stephen who anchored the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 39 off just 16 balls, striking four boundaries and a six to boost the total. Despite Stephen's efforts, the Sharks struggled to build significant partnerships, and regular wickets hampered their momentum. Extras played a crucial role, contributing 16 runs to the total.
The Ifira Black Birds' bowlers displayed discipline and precision. RA Kaltongga was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for just 13 runs in her 4 overs, including the key wickets of Rinneth Lengsau and MK Kaltere. Leisau Andrew and Sue Yalin also chipped in with a wicket each, while RV Andrew and Qwenneth Joesph took one wicket apiece, ensuring the Sharks couldn't break free.
Chasing 86, the Ifira Black Birds Women faced early setbacks with the dismissals of RA Kaltongga and Leisau Andrew, both falling to captain Vanessa Vira, who bowled a tight spell of 2 for 27. However, RV Andrew steadied the ship with a match-winning 45 off 29 balls, including four boundaries. Her innings was pivotal in keeping the chase on track. Sani Nipiko Meltetake's double strike further tightened the contest, but the Black Birds managed to hold their nerve.
Sue Yalin and Georgina Pechan added crucial runs in the middle order, with Pechan falling to NK Kakor for 4. The game remained tense until the final moments, but Qwenneth Joesph's calm presence at the crease, scoring an unbeaten 3 off 4 balls, guided the Black Birds to victory with 5 wickets in hand and just 1.5 overs remaining. Extras again played a vital role, contributing 16 runs to the chase, underlining the importance of disciplined bowling.
The Paama Sharks' bowlers put up a commendable fight, with Sani Nipiko Meltetake taking 2 for 29 and NK Kakor grabbing 1 for 28, but it was not enough to defend the total.
CURRENT STANDINGS:
Team | Pld | W | L | T | Abd | Bye | Pts | NRR |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9.0 | +1.752 | |
4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9.0 | -0.873 | |
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3.0 | -1.401 | |
4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3.0 | -1.587 | |
4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.0 | -2.970 |
MVP:
Rank | Player | Club | Matches | Batting | Bowling | Fielding | Overall |
1 | Paama Sharks | 4 | 5.86 | 28.1 | 0.0 | 33.96 | |
2 | Splashe Mele Bulls | 1 | 3.36 | 13.76 | 0.0 | 17.12 | |
3 | Splashe Mele Bulls | 2 | 6.84 | 7.06 | 2.67 | 16.56 |
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