Hino Cassowaries Win Back To Back Women’s T20 Smash Titles

Papua New Guinea – The Ela Motors sponsored side led by Lewas Captain, Kaia Arua are now two-time champions, backing up their 2019 T20 Smash win in grand style.

Putting on a challenging 3-115 after their 20 overs led by Konio Oala 28 not out; Boio Ditto 28; and Tanya Frank 23, the Hino Cassowaries restricted the TrakPro MudWomen to 9-83 (20) with wickets from Geua Tom 2-10 (4), Esmie Igo 2-16 (2), Oala 2-15 (4) and Arua 2-9 (4). Mairi Tom 21 not out and Puana Siaka 16 batted valiantly, but the Cassowaries’ bowlers were just too good.

Winning the toss, the Hino Cassowaries set out to make a big total after opting to bat first on a super Friday afternoon at Amini Park. Opening with Tanya Frank and Boio Ditto, the two batted patiently – regularly rotating the strike and hitting the occasional boundary to take the Cassowaries to 0-43 after 10 overs. When Frank 23 was stumped off Puana Siaka 1-26, the platform was laid for the Cassowaries to push the score past 100. Ditto and Arua kept the runs coming putting together a 34-run partnership before a double strike by Pauke Siaka 2-30 (4) got Ditto 28 and Arua 13 in the same over. At 3-75 and with 5 overs to go, Konio Oala 28 not out and Isabel Toua 13 not out accelerated the Cassowaries past 100 to finish 3-115 after 20 overs.

Needing 116 to win, the TrakPro MudWomen lost two early wickets to Oala and Arua, dismissing Kila Sam 0 and Brenda Tau 2 (respectively) leaving the score at 2-4. Pauke and Puana Siaka settled the MudWomen with a 19-run partnership before Esmie Igo struck having Pauke caught for 11. From 3-23, Brenda Elly and Puana kept building but another strike from Igo, Puana for 16, had the MudWomen at 4-43. Needing 73 runs in 10 overs with 6 wickets in hand, the MudWomen needed to lift their scoring rate. The runout of Elly for 9, sparked a collapse 5-40. Mairi Tom batted well for 21 not out but the Hino Cassowaries took wickets regularly. None the lower order could manage over double figures. After 20 overs the MudWomen finished on 9-83 giving the Cassowaries a 32-run win.

Speaking after the game, Cricket PNG CEO Greg Campbell said, “Finals Day was a great success after all the schedulding difficulties over the two weeks. All the staff have done a great job to get grounds ready, score and prepare the players for the six games that were played through the week.”

“We would like to thank Curtain Brothers for supporting the women’s game. We are continuing to develop women’s cricket, and their support for the T20 Smash speaks to their commitment to provide cricket to all women in Papua New Guinea.”

National Head Coach Joe Dawes was similarily impressed “The T20 Smash is a great tournament to grow the women’s game and for player development. This tournament has not been without its difficulties but the women have responded really well. We have seen some great batting and bowling this tournament, and that should set the women up well for their ICC Qualifiers next year.”

“Finals Day was brilliant with Konio Oala making 28 runs and taking 2 wickets showing her all round ability with bat and ball. The Hino Cassowaries have been fantastic all tournament and are deserving champions for 2020.”

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