Mudmen book spot in T20 Smash final

THE Trackpro Mudmen booked their spot in the Curtain Bros CPNG T20 Smash final tomorrow after a victorious final round at Amini Park yesterday.
Set 132 to get by the Hastings Deering Black Bass (131/8), top-order batsman Lega Siaka fired with a solid 63 off 45 balls to lead the Mudmen (136/6) to a four-wicket win with seven balls to spare.
Black Bass skipper Charles Amini Jr was outstanding in a beaten side hitting 45 runs in the first inning and later taking a two-for with his leg breaks.
For the Mudmen, bowler Kabua Morea took 3-15 to help restrict the Bass.
In the second fixture, ODG Mariners could only muster 116 and Ela Motors Cassowaries (117/9) looked to have the measure of the seafarers cruising at 74/3 at one stage with all-rounder Chad Soper and Sese Bau looking comfortable but an inspired spell by Riley Hekure (5-13) saw the big birds lose six wickets for 32 runs before Sakavai Gebai hit the winning run off the last ball of the game for a tense win.
After 12 games all four teams finished on equal points (six) in a close tournament to date. A superior run rate meant the Mudmen went straight to the final to meet the winner of the tomorrow morning preliminary final between the Black Bass and Mariners.
The first match at Amini Park starts at 9am with sponsors to set up tents and fans to take part in pre-match competitions for prizes. The final will be 1pm. Entry is free.
Match Summaries: Thurs, Aug 1 – Game 1 – Black Bass 131/8 (Charles Amini Jr 45; Kabua Morea 3-15) Mudmen 136/6 (Lega Siaka 63). Mudmen won by four wickets. Game 2 – Mariners 116 all out Cassowaries 117/9 (Riley Hekure 5-13). Cassowaries won one wicket.