As the 2024 Domestic Shield 40 Over Competition nears its conclusion, Round 4 delivered crucial results that kept the competition for semifinal spots wide open. With the top four teams set to advance to the semifinals, the race to the final is heating up. In this round, Splashe Mele Bulls and Paama Sharks secured vital wins, positioning themselves for a final push in the group stage, while Tafea Cricket Club and Mighty Panthers faced setbacks in their quest for top honors.
In the first match of the weekend, Splashe Mele Bulls dominated Tafea Cricket Club in a one-sided encounter. Tafea Cricket Club, having struggled throughout the season, was dismissed for just 31 runs in 10.4 overs. Splashe Mele Bulls' bowling attack was ruthless, with Wally Mansale leading the charge. His 3 wickets for 13 runs, coupled with Jacky Bangalulu’s 3 for 18, decimated Tafea’s top and middle order. The lack of partnerships and the relentless pressure from the Bulls’ bowlers meant that only Nasimana Navaika could reach double figures, with 11 not out. Tafea’s innings never gained momentum, and they were left with a meager total to defend.
Splashe Mele Bulls chased down the target of 32 runs with ease. Opening batsman Rival Samson smashed 26 off 13 balls, including 3 boundaries and a six, to make light work of the target. His aggressive knock, alongside Jacky Bangalulu, who remained unbeaten on 5, saw the Bulls reach 35 without losing a wicket in just 4.1 overs. This comprehensive victory was crucial for Splashe Mele Bulls, who are now back in contention for a semifinal spot after a slow start to their campaign.
In the second match of Round 4, Paama Sharks put in a strong performance to defeat Mighty Panthers by 42 runs. Batting first, Paama Sharks posted a total of 156 for 8 in their 40 overs. Jamal Vira played a key innings, anchoring the middle order with a well-constructed 34 from 49 balls, supported by Curran Kendrick and Stephane Sandy, who contributed 25 runs each. The Sharks’ ability to stay in the game, despite frequent wickets, was aided by a large number of extras – Mighty Panthers conceded 45 runs through wides and no-balls, a factor that proved costly.
Mighty Panthers' bowlers had moments of brilliance, with Landale Tamalua and K Tari each picking up two wickets, but the inability to contain extras meant the Sharks posted a competitive total. Chasing 157, Mighty Panthers started brightly, with captain K Tari leading from the front with a quick 36 off 32 balls. However, after Tari’s dismissal, caught by Natalia Kakor off the bowling of Jamal Vira, the Panthers' innings collapsed.
Christopher Nasak added a fighting 30 off 28 balls, but the rest of the Panthers' lineup struggled against Paama Sharks' bowling. Curran Kendrick was the standout bowler, taking 5 wickets for just 7 runs in 3.4 overs, while Jamal Vira also impressed, claiming 4 wickets for 32 runs in his full 8 overs. The Panthers were bowled out for 114 in 23.4 overs, falling well short of their target and handing the Sharks a much-needed victory.
Points Table after Round 4:
North Efate Bushpigs – 5 points (3 matches, 2 wins, 1 no result, net run rate: 3.3134)
Mighty Panthers – 4 points (3 matches, 2 wins, 1 loss, net run rate: 1.8286)
Tafea Cricket Club – 3 points (4 matches, 1 win, 2 losses, 1 no result, net run rate: -2.0946)
Splashe Mele Bulls – 2 points (3 matches, 1 win, 2 losses, net run rate: -0.9831)
Paama Sharks – 2 points (3 matches, 1 win, 2 losses, net run rate: -1.2472)
Upcoming Matches and Semifinal Picture:
With only one round left in the group stage, the competition is set for an exciting finish. Tafea Cricket Club will have a bye in the final round, but their position in the semifinals is not yet secure. North Efate Bushpigs, currently sitting at the top of the table, will face second-placed Mighty Panthers at VCG 1. This match could potentially determine who finishes the group stage in first place and secures the advantage of facing the fourth-placed team in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, at VCG 2, Splashe Mele Bulls will take on Paama Sharks in a must-win encounter for both teams. A victory for either side could propel them into the top four, while a loss could end their hopes of reaching the semifinals.
The stakes are high as the top four teams will advance to the semifinals, where the first-placed team will face the fourth-placed team, and the second-placed team will play the third-placed team. With the final round approaching, every run and wicket will count as teams battle for their place in the semifinals and the chance to compete for the 2024 Domestic Shield title.
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