Oceans 11 have been crowned the inaugural Super Slam Cricket Competition champions after defeating King Wolves Nikao by seven wickets in the final at Turangi Oval on Saturday.

The King Wolves batted first and managed 124 runs before losing all their wickets in 16.5 overs. In reply, Oceans 11 overcame the target in 10.5 overs with a loss of only three wickets.

Cook Islands Cricket Association (CICA) president Grant Walker said the King Wolves started out extremely strong at one stage.

“They were 80 odd for only two wickets down and it looked like it was going to be their day until a spectacular run by the captain Cameron Thorpe, and eventual man of the match Jerah Mitchell who stemmed the tide with their bowling,” Walker said.

King Wolves captain Pita Ravarua slammed a heat seeking missile back at Mitchell as he bowled it and Mitchell stuck out his right hand and snared it from the air for a critical wicket.

The Wolves continued to unravel and could only finish their batting stand with 124 runs.

Mitchell picked up an astonishing six wickets to dismantle the King Wolves’ batting order.

In the chase, Oceans 11’s Ben Vakatini opened with top competition batter Osolai Akai. Tim Anker, bowling for the King Wolves, snagged Osolai for a duck and for a moment seized momentum.

Oceans 11 and King Wolves players after the inaugural Super Slam Cricket Competition final on Saturday. RADIO COOK ISLANDS/24061023

However, the power of Vakatini on the day was not to be stopped as he powered the Oceans 11 to victory.

The King Wolves fortunes flagged when Vakatini was dropped on a liner and he made them pay for the mistake with a 30 run over of one dot ball and five straight sixes.

Grant said: “So while the game was shorter than expected, it was not without drama, and a fantastic day was had by all.”

Vakatini smashed 72 runs not out.

“I can’t say enough about the effort and energy that all four clubs put into the competition,” Grant said.

“We achieved all of the goals we set out for when we first set this up and we now understand there is a bright future not just for the domestic club season but also for a continuation of competition in 2025.”

Grant acknowledged James Thomason and Nauma Atiau for umpiring the playoffs and Christine Porio for scoring most of the games and all the playoffs.

“The experience gained will be of benefit to our sport as they share the knowledge with others in the domestic club competition starting in August,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cameron Thorpe, Oceans 11 captain, was awarded Bowler of the competition, Osolai Akai won top batter award.

There were also individual cash prizes to playoff performers. Bowlers with three or more wickets in a single game and batters scoring 50 or more as well as those who hit 100 or more got cash prizes that are to be issued.