Category: Sports

Sports

Goa’s Madar Basappa Shines as India Legends Storm into Asian Legend Cup 2026 Final

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s Madar Basappa produced a match-defining performance with the ball as India Legends registered a thumping 104-run victory over Hong Kong in a league match of the Asian Legend Cup 2026 in Thailand, sealing their place in the tournament final. The win marked yet another dominant display by the Indian side in an impressive campaign.

After opting to bat first, India Legends piled up a massive 240 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs, powered by aggressive knocks from Bhanu Seth, Parminder and Amer Khan. The imposing total put Hong Kong under immense pressure from the outset, setting the stage for India’s bowlers to take control of the contest.

Madar Basappa emerged as the standout performer with the ball, delivering an exceptional spell of 3 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs. Bowling with sharp control, variation and discipline, the Goan all-rounder struck at crucial moments to dismantle Hong Kong’s chase. He removed Kamal as the batter attempted to steady the innings, dismissed Ibrez soon after, and then produced a key moment by stumping Iftikhar to halt any hopes of a recovery. His economy rate of 3.75 reflected the pressure he consistently applied on the batters.

Hong Kong were eventually restricted to 136 in 20 overs, never able to recover from the damage inflicted by Basappa and the disciplined Indian bowling unit. While Bhanu Seth was named Player of the Match for his explosive batting performance, Madar Basappa’s spell stood out as one of the defining highlights of the encounter.

Basappa’s contribution brought pride to Goa as he showcased his talent on a major international stage. The all-rounder has also represented Gomanchal Warriors in the GVCL tournament and continues to strengthen his reputation as a dependable match-winner. India Legends have enjoyed a dominant run in the tournament, beginning with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka, followed by a comprehensive 77-run victory against arch-rivals Pakistan and a close 12-run win over Bangladesh, underlining their strong form heading into the final of the Asian Legend Cup 2026.

Sports

Desserts N More Avengers, RC Goa Register Thrilling Wins in PGML 5.0

Tanisha Cardozo

Spectators at the Panaji Gymkhana ground were treated to two closely fought league encounters on Saturday in the ongoing PGML 5.0 tournament, with Desserts N More Avengers and RC Goa emerging victorious in nail-biting finishes.

In the morning match, Sun Estate Warriors won the toss and elected to bat but were restricted to 125 for 9 in their 20 overs. Mehank Dharwadkar stood firm with an unbeaten 48, while opener Devidas Kholkar chipped in with 31. Despite a steady start, regular wickets in the middle order curtailed the Warriors’ progress. Madar Basappa was the pick of the bowlers for Desserts N More Avengers, finishing with two wickets, while Ojas, Amod Borkar, Vikas Shetty and Muktiar Kadri claimed one wicket each.

Chasing 126, Desserts N More Avengers paced their innings carefully to reach 129 for 6 in 19.1 overs. Amod Borkar anchored the chase with a composed 50 off 42 deliveries. In the closing stages, Smit Dalvi and Suraj Hirani remained unbeaten to guide their side to a four-wicket win. Dhilan Shah was the standout bowler for Sun Estate Warriors with two wickets, while Rohit Rane picked up one.

The afternoon fixture saw Manas Mavericks post 128 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bat. Ajinkya Kudtarkar top-scored with 38, supported by Avishkar Mone’s 21 and an unbeaten 18 from Raj Morajkar. RC Goa’s bowling attack shared the spoils, with Kushnab Ghai and Ramnath Gaonkar claiming two wickets each, while Aryan Mashelkar, Gauresh Khandeparkar and Vardhan Prabhu Misquin contributed with one wicket apiece.

RC Goa responded positively in their chase, reaching 134 for 7 in 19.3 overs to seal a three-wicket victory. Ramnath Gaonkar played a steady innings of 41, with valuable contributions from Aryan Mashelkar (21) and Paras Naik (20). The match swung decisively in the final overs as Gauresh Khandeparkar smashed a quick 18 off just five balls, remaining unbeaten alongside Dattesh Priolkar to take RC Goa home. For Manas Mavericks, Avishkar Mone and Om Fadte picked up two wickets each, while Ajinkya Kudtarkar claimed one.

With both matches delivering tense finishes, PGML 5.0 continues to live up to its reputation as one of Goa’s most competitive and entertaining local cricket tournaments.

Sports

A Majestic Morgan Masterclass Powers Rajasthan Lions Past Gurugram Thunders

Tanisha Cardozo

Rajasthan Lions continued their impressive run in the World Legends Pro T20 League with a commanding 27-run victory over Gurugram Thunders in Goa, led by a magnificent batting masterclass from Eoin Morgan. With the race for the semi-finals intensifying, both teams fielded formidable line-ups featuring some of the biggest names in world cricket, setting the stage for a blockbuster encounter.

After being put into bat, the Lions suffered an early setback when Sreesanth struck in the fourth over to dismiss Naman, showcasing sharp pace and disciplined line and length. However, what followed was a breathtaking exhibition of stroke play from Eoin Morgan. The stylish left-hander dominated the Thunders’ bowling attack, racing to a half-century off just 26 deliveries and effortlessly clearing the ropes with authority. Morgan’s innings came to an end at 78 off 38 balls, studded with six fours and six sixes, but by then he had firmly seized control of the contest, guiding Rajasthan to 116 for 2 by the 12th over.

The Lions capitalised on the strong platform, with valuable contributions from Callum Ferguson, Suresh Raina and Angelo Perera providing late impetus. Ferguson’s quick 39 off 24, Raina’s explosive 27 off just 12 balls, and Perera’s composed 42 off 36 helped Rajasthan Lions surge to a daunting total of 208 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Chasing a stiff target, Gurugram Thunders attempted to keep pace with the required rate, but the regular fall of wickets dented their momentum. Despite spirited efforts from Chirag Gandhi, who struck a rapid 54 off 27 balls, and late resistance from Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor, the asking rate continued to climb steeply. With wickets tumbling and pressure mounting, the Thunders eventually finished on 181 for 7, falling short by 27 runs.

The Lions’ bowlers played a crucial role in defending the total, with Shadab Jakati and JP Duminy picking up two wickets each to ensure the Thunders never truly threatened the target. The victory lifted Rajasthan Lions to second place on the points table with three wins from four matches, firmly placing them among the frontrunners for a semi-final berth, while Gurugram Thunders remain in fourth position with one win from four outings.

With momentum firmly on their side, Rajasthan Lions will look to carry this winning form forward as the World Legends Pro T20 League continues to deliver high-octane cricket and nostalgic brilliance in Goa.

Sports

Sheldon Jackson Guides Delhi Warriors to Unbeaten Run with Four-Wicket Win Over Gurugram Thunders

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

A composed half-century from Sheldon Jackson helped table-toppers Delhi Warriors successfully chase 173 against Gurugram Thunders at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Verna, extending their unbeaten run and ending Gurugram’s semi-final hopes.


Story Body
Goa, 1 February 2026: A packed Sunday evening at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Verna saw Gurugram Thunders take on table-toppers Delhi Warriors in a must-win encounter for their tournament survival. Despite a competitive total and a disciplined bowling effort, Gurugram fell short as Delhi Warriors completed a four-wicket win to continue their unbeaten run and maintain their position at the top of the points table.

Batting first, Gurugram Thunders posted 172 for 6, anchored by a solid opening partnership between Jermaine Blackwood and Cheteshwar Pujara. The pair added 82 runs for the first wicket, with Blackwood scoring 51 off 30 balls and Pujara contributing a steady 58 from 43 deliveries. After the dismissal of both openers, wickets fell at regular intervals, slowing the scoring rate. However, Gurugram managed to recover in the latter stages to post a competitive total.

Delhi Warriors’ chase got off to a cautious start as Gurugram’s bowlers kept things tight. Stuart Broad set the tone during the powerplay, claiming two wickets in his three overs as Delhi were restricted to just 33 runs in the first six overs. The pressure told as wickets continued to fall, leaving Delhi in a tricky position midway through the innings.

Sheldon Jackson then stepped up with a calm and controlled knock, anchoring the chase under pressure. Jackson scored an unbeaten 59 off 38 balls, finding support from Pawan Negi earlier and Seekkuge Prasanna towards the end. Prasanna’s quick 36 off 14 balls ensured Delhi Warriors crossed the line in 18.5 overs with four wickets in hand.

The defeat marked Gurugram Thunders’ fourth loss in five matches, officially ending their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Earlier in the day, Pune Panthers secured a narrow 12-run victory over Maharashtra Tycoons in a closely contested Maharashtra derby. The win lifted Pune Panthers to six points, confirming their place in the semi-finals.

Sports

Parth Deorukhakar, Unnathi Muralidhar Clinch Singles Titles at Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026

allycaralgoa

Panaji, February 2026: The prestigious Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026 concluded on a high note at the iconic Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias courts, with young talents delivering standout performances across open and junior categories.

Nineteen-year-old Parth Deorukhakar clinched the Open Men’s Singles title, while Unnathi V. Muralidhar lifted the Open Women’s Singles crown on the final day of the tournament. Parth capped off a memorable campaign by also winning the Men’s Doubles title, completing an impressive double at the 11th edition of the tournament.

Parth displayed composure and grit in a high-quality men’s singles final, defeating Praneeth Venugopal in straight sets 7-6(2), 7-5. In the women’s singles final, Unnathi produced a spirited comeback to overcome Nidi S, winning 2-6, 6-4, 10-3 in a closely fought encounter.

Junior categories witnessed equally thrilling contests. Gargi Oak dominated the Girls Under-12 final, defeating Urvi Pai Panandiker 4-0, 4-0, before going on to secure a second title in the Girls Under-16 category, where she defeated Tvisha Sardesai 4-1, 4-1 to complete a double.

The Boys Under-16 final saw Arav Naik edge past Kyan Mavany in a nail-biting three-set match, winning 4-0, 2-4, 11-9. In the Boys Under-12 final, Kriyansh RM clinched the title after defeating Divyaraj Chouhan 4-1, (7)3-4, 10-7.

In the doubles events, Parth Deorukhakar and Arnav Bansode claimed the Men’s Doubles title, defeating Ashwin Narsinghani and Prathamesh Patil 7-6(4), 6-2. The Mixed Doubles crown was won by Trisha Vinod and Maaz Khan, who defeated Anupama Darade and Eshaan Khadeer 7-6(6), 6-0.

The winners were felicitated at a prize distribution ceremony by Sankalp Thali, Business Head, Gadre Premium Seafood; Edwin Menezes, former secretary and executive committee member of the host club; Vinesh Pickle, treasurer of the host club; Bulu Godinho, head of the tournament’s organising committee; and Sameer Kakodkar, President of the Goa State Tennis Association.

Jointly organised by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias and the Gadre Group, in association with the Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA), the tournament saw enthusiastic participation across age groups and continues to serve as a key competitive platform for emerging and established tennis players in Goa.