Cassowaries crowned Isuzu men’s T20 smash 2025 champions after nail-biting final

Tuesday, 20 May 2025, 1:36 pm

Cassowaries celebrating the grand final victory with trophy and medal (Image: Cricket PNG)

The Cassowaries men held their nerve in a tense finish to lift the ISUZU Men’s T20 Smash 2025 trophy, edging out the Black Bass by 3 wickets in a thrilling final at Amini Park on Saturday, May 17.

Chasing a modest target of 121, the Cassowaries reached 121/7 in 19.3 overs, sealing victory with three balls to spare and sparking jubilant celebrations among players and fans alike.

The final brought the curtain down on a competitive tournament proudly sponsored by Boroko Motors, featuring the Cassowaries, Black Bass, Mariners, and Mudmen, and showcasing emerging talent from across Papua New Guinea.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Black Bass struggled to gain momentum, posting a total of 120/8 in their 20 overs. Tight bowling and sharp fielding by the Cassowaries applied constant pressure.

In reply, the Cassowaries built their chase around crucial knocks from Peter Karoho [29] and Dauncey Tom [24]. The match remained in the balance as wickets fell regularly, but Emmanuel Karo's composed 26-run contribution earned him the Player of the Match title and helped see his team over the line.

For the Black Bass, Oala Puka Jnr stood out with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs, but his efforts were not enough to deny the Cassowaries the championship.

Speaking after the match, Lakani Oala, Director of the ISUZU Men’s T20 SMASH, praised the players and sponsors for their commitment.

“We sincerely thank Boroko Motors for being the major sponsor of this tournament. Their support allows us to run a high-quality, competitive event,” he said.

“From this tournament, we choose the best players to represent our country in our national teams: the Barramundis, Garamuts, Lewas, and Siales. These players are the future of cricket in Papua New Guinea.”

The ISUZU T20 SMASH plays a crucial role in Cricket PNG’s High Performance Program, acting as a key pipeline for identifying and developing talent for the national stage.

With the Cassowaries now crowned champions, attention will shift to how these standout performers transition into higher honours with many hoping to wear national colours in the months ahead.