THE Black Bass have made their mark by claiming the 2025 Izuzu Women’s T20 Smash competition. They were crowned champions after defeating 2024 defending champions Mudmen by 7 runs in the grand-final staged at the Amini Park on Saturday. The Pauke-Siaka coached side didn’t make a strong start having lost their two first matches before breaking finding a breakthrough in the third match with a 10-wicket win against Mariners, and maintained that rhythm right through to the grand-final. Winning the toss and elected to bat, the yellow-outfit side posted a total of 105 runs at the fall of 4 wickets in the first innings. And Mudmen who were left to chase in the second innings, fought hard but fell short in the final over with 98 runs for 8. Holland Doriga (not out) in the top batting order played a big part in her side claiming the win, maintained a 55-run partnership with Siaka (stumped). Doriga easily scored 44 runs off 48 balls faced which include two 4s, while Siaka scored 27 off 26. And a couple of strong runs by Hane Lohia Tau, Winnie Oa and Henao Thomas helped them to 105 runs. Mudmen who was left to chase 106 for the win, got off to a shaky start with right arm medium pacer Duna Alex bowling out Junah Ilagi in the first over, with only 3 runs scored. The team struggled to maintain composure, as they were 46 runs at the fall of 5 wickets in within the 10th over. But Cathy Ute and Melanie Ani steadied them to reach 98 with a 24-run partnership. Bowlers maintained their same play with Siaka claiming 3 wickets in her 4 overs, Doriga claimed 2 wickets in her 3 overs, with Alex, Thomas and Lohia Tau collecting one respectively. In the end they stalled the defending champions Mudmen in the final over with only 98 runs scored. Tournament director Lakani Oala said, the T20 Smash Competition is a selection competition for Cricket PNG. “We end up selecting Barramundis and Lewas through this competition to represent team PNG. So, the importance of this competition is very. Thank you to Boroko Motors and Izuzu for bringing this competition along to help us in selecting our national team.” Mariners claimed third place after claiming a 8-wicket win against Cassowaries. The major individual awards went to Brenda Tau (Most Runs – 208), Marie Tom (Most Wickets – 12), and Konio Oala (Player of the Tournament).