Cassowaries to defend title against Mudmen in final

DEFENDING champions Cassowaries will look to retain the Isuzu Women’s Twenty-20 (T20) Smash Cup when they take on Mudmen in tomorrow’s final at Amini Park.
Cassowaries who finished second after the round games are aiming to make amends for their loss to Mudmen last week as skipper Sibona Jimmy leads her side into the clash.
Mudmen, on the other hand, will build off their final round game win against the champions with Tania Ruma capitalising on the likes of Isabel Toua, Melanie Ani and marquee player Rhiann O’Donnell.
O’Donnell has been in great form throughout the competition and currently tops the batting record having scored 182 runs from the six matches she’s played.
Ruma will be banking on O’Donnell behind the bat especially after she recorded 23 boundaries (4s) in the round games with a strike rate of 97.83.
In their bowling, Isabel Toua would be their marksman with her recording as top wicket-taker in the competition with 10 under her belt from six games with the best figure in an innings (4/3).
The Cassowaries will be out to retain the Isuzu Cup with Jimmy to count on her top batters in Kevau Frank and Ruth Johnston. The skipper has also been impressive in the batting department and will most likely lead her sides attack tomorrow.
With quality bowlers on her side including marquee player Ruth Johnston as well as youngsters Kevau Gabe and Mahuta Jayphert, Jimmy should be on her way to clinch the title.
Prior to the finals action at 2pm, Black Bass and Mariners will face off in the morning (10am) to fight for the 3rd placing.
Meanwhile, tournament director Lakani Oala told this paper that the women’s competition has been thrilling so far with interest building up for tomorrow’s finals.
“The inclusion of the three marquee players has had so much impact and we are seeing the players here stepping up to the challenge making this even more competitive,” Oala said.
“The Australian players too have blended in with the Lewas and the Siales and the experience rubbing off each other is just positive.”