Sports

Sinq Rangers Secure Dominant 23-Run Win in GSB Unity Cup 3.0


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Margao: Sinq Rangers registered an emphatic 23-run victory over Desserts N More Avengers in the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 tournament organized by the Goa GSB Sports & Charitable Trust. The match, played under lights at the MCC Ground in Margao on Thursday, witnessed a clinical performance from the Rangers in both departments.


Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sinq Rangers posted a competitive 162 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The foundation was laid by a strong middle-order display, with Sairaj Dhond smashing a brisk 50 off just 25 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Mehank Dharwadkar added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 40 off 24 deliveries, striking one four and three sixes. Sudhir Kenkre (23) and Vismay Falgavkar (18) chipped in with useful contributions. For the Avengers, Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar was the standout bowler with figures of 2/29.

Chasing 163 for victory, Desserts N More Avengers started cautiously but struggled to keep pace with the required run rate as wickets fell at regular intervals. Captain Kaushal Hattangadi led from the front with a fighting 46 off 28 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. Smit Dalvi (24), Sachin Bhandare (15), and Bhushan Bambolkar (12) tried to steady the innings, but the mounting pressure proved too much. The Avengers eventually closed at 139 for 7 in their 20 overs.

The Rangersโ€™ bowling attack was disciplined and effective, with Nikhil Virginkar, Krishnakant Hegde Desai, and Arin Angle claiming two wickets each. Tight bowling spells and sharp fielding ensured the target remained out of reach for the Avengers.

For his explosive half-century, Sairaj Dhond was named the Desserts N More Player of the Match, while Arin Angle received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award. The awards were presented by Anup Kudchadkar and Pranav Biche.

With this convincing win, Sinq Rangers strengthened their standing in the tournament and reaffirmed their credentials as strong contenders for the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 title

Sports

Dhadsakhal Stars, AK Rangers, Power Panthers & Oxford Shine on Day 2


Panaji: Dhadsakhal Stars, AK Rangers, Power Panthers Porvorim, and hosts Oxford registered impressive victories on the second day of the Junior Cricket Championship organised by Oxford Cricket Club on Thursday, showcasing emerging cricket talent across Goa.

At the SAG Ground in Chicalim, Dhadsakhal Stars delivered a dominant performance against Ghumteshwar. Batting first, Ghumteshwar were bowled out for 97 in 22 overs, with Rehan Hubali top-scoring with 37 and Yash Shet adding 19. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships as Shaurya Chodankar led a disciplined bowling attack to dismantle the innings.

In response, Dhadsakhal Stars made light work of the chase, reaching 101 for the loss of just one wicket in only 7.4 overs. Adeep Prabhu Misquin starred with an unbeaten 59, while Pranjal Singh contributed 32. Chodankarโ€™s all-round impact earned him the Man of the Match award.

In another fixture, AK Rangers secured a convincing 46-run victory over Banjara Cricket Club. Tanishq Naik was the standout performer, smashing an unbeaten 122 to guide his team to a strong total of 203 for three in 25 overs, with Sahil Gaonkar adding 28 runs.

Banjara Cricket Club fought back with a determined 64 from Nanthan Sawant but were eventually bowled out for 157 in 24.3 overs. Naik capped off a brilliant outing by also picking up three wickets, earning him the Man of the Match honour.

At the Arlem Ground, Power Panthers Porvorim edged past Margao Cricket Club by 14 runs in a closely contested match. Posting 155 for six in 25 overs, they were powered by steady unbeaten contributions from Anurag Bahadur (34) and Saish Virnodkar (30).

Margao Cricket Club responded strongly, with Keyaan Thota scoring an unbeaten 56, but fell short at 141 for seven. Bahadurโ€™s all-round performance, including two wickets for 25 runs, proved decisive as he was named Man of the Match.

Meanwhile, hosts Oxford registered a commanding 60-run victory over Panaji Challengers. Oxford posted 165 for six in their 25 overs, led by Rumaan Mulam (46), Vishesh Behl (38), and Farhan Shaikh (35).

Panaji Challengers struggled in their chase and were bowled out for 105 in 23.4 overs despite Diganth Manoharโ€™s 30. Mulam delivered with the ball as well, claiming two wickets to seal a comprehensive win and earn the Man of the Match award.

With strong performances across matches, the championship continues to underline the depth of young cricketing talent in Goa, setting the stage for more competitive encounters in the coming days.

Sports

Tanaya Naik to Lead Goa in Womenโ€™s U-23 One Day Trophy


Panaji: Goaโ€™s womenโ€™s cricket continues to gain momentum as Tanaya Naik has been appointed captain of the stateโ€™s Under-23 team for the upcoming Womenโ€™s U-23 One Day Trophy 2025โ€“26. The tournament will be held in Dehradun from March 3 to March 11, bringing together some of the most promising young cricketers from across the country.

Goa has been placed in Group E and will play five league matches in the competition. The team will begin its campaign against Hyderabad on March 3, followed by fixtures against Saurashtra (March 5), Chandigarh (March 7), Andhra (March 9), and Delhi (March 11).

The squad features a blend of emerging talent and consistent performers who have been making steady progress in domestic cricket. Leading the side, Tanaya Naik will shoulder the responsibility of guiding the team through a competitive tournament and setting the tone with both leadership and performance.

Squad:
Tanaya Naik (Captain), Harshita Yadav, Urvashi Govekar, Tanisha Gaikawad, Pooja Kalel, Presha Naik, Palak Arondekar, Savali Kolambkar, Metali Gawander, Nirmiti Khanvilkar, Vidika Sawant, Swarali Kasar, Siddhi Savase, Kimya Desai, Harshada Kadam, Mrunmayee Bhike, Shilpa Sharma.

With increasing focus on womenโ€™s cricket across India, tournaments like the Womenโ€™s U-23 One Day Trophy provide a crucial platform for young players to showcase their abilities and push for higher honours. For Goa, this tournament represents not just participation, but an opportunity to make a strong statement on the national stage.

As the team heads into the competition, expectations will be high, and all eyes will be on how these rising stars perform against some of the best young talent in Indian cricket.

Sports

Vimson Panjim Powerplay Seal One-Run Thriller in GSB Unity Cup 3.0


It was a night of high drama and edge-of-the-seat action in Margao as Vimson Panjim Powerplay clinched a sensational one-run victory over Madgaon Royals CC in the GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust.

Played under floodlights at the MCC Ground, the match delivered everything a cricket fan could hope for โ€” a competitive total, strong individual performances, and a finish that went right down to the final ball.

Chasing 160 for victory, Madgaon Royals CC fought hard but fell just short, ending at 158 for 7 in their 20 overs. The match reached its peak in the final delivery, where the Royals needed four runs to win and three to tie. In a desperate attempt to complete the third run, Granthik Buyao was run out, handing Vimson Panjim Powerplay a dramatic one-run win.

Earlier in the evening, after winning the toss, Madgaon Royals opted to field first. Vimson Panjim Powerplay posted a competitive total of 159 for 7, thanks to a composed and captainโ€™s knock from Amod Borkar. Leading from the front, he scored a fluent 50 off 39 balls, including five boundaries and a six.

He was well supported by Shivam Varik, who contributed 31 off 25 balls, and Siddhant Amonkar, who added a quickfire 30 off just 19 deliveries. The innings was further boosted by 21 extras, which proved crucial in the end.

For Madgaon Royals, Sanat Prabhudessai was the standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 2 for 23, while Samprabh Phaldesai and Kartik Hattangadi chipped in with a wicket each.

In response, Madgaon Royals mounted a strong chase led by Sahish Mahambrey, who played a blistering knock of 52 runs, smashing four boundaries and three sixes. Sanat Prabhudessai added 31 runs, while Damodar Pai Patnekar (20) and Kartik Hattangadi (17) provided valuable contributions in the middle order.

However, disciplined bowling by Vimson Panjim Powerplay kept the pressure intact. The team conceded just eight extras, a factor that ultimately made the difference in such a closely contested match. Amod Borkar, Kapil Sinai Borkar, and Siddesh Desai picked up a wicket each at crucial moments.

At the post-match presentation, Amod Borkar was named the Desserts N More Player of the Match for his all-round performance, while Siddesh Desai received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award.

The thrilling contest not only showcased the competitive spirit of local cricket in Goa but also highlighted how fine the margins can be in the game โ€” where every run, every ball, and every decision counts.

Sports

Uttar Pradesh Signs MoU with AVW Global to Bring MotoGP Back to India


In a major boost to Indian motorsport, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AVW Global to facilitate the return of MotoGP to India.

The agreement is expected to revive international racing at the iconic Buddh International Circuit, a track that has previously hosted high-profile global motorsport events.

The Buddh International Circuit, located in Greater Noida, was once Indiaโ€™s premier motorsport destination, attracting international attention and thousands of racing fans. However, global racing events at the venue had slowed in recent years.

With this new partnership, the state government aims to reposition Uttar Pradesh as a global sporting destination. Officials believe the revival of MotoGP will not only enhance Indiaโ€™s presence in international motorsport but also generate tourism, investment, and employment opportunities in the region.

MotoGP is regarded as one of the most prestigious motorcycle racing championships in the world, drawing elite riders, global sponsors, and massive television audiences.

Industry observers note that the success of the revival will depend on seamless coordination between event organisers, international governing bodies, and state authorities.

If executed effectively, the return of MotoGP could mark a turning point for Indiaโ€™s motorsport ecosystem โ€” reigniting enthusiasm among fans and reinforcing the countryโ€™s capability to host world-class sporting events.