Sports

Desserts N More Avengers Register One-Sided Win in GSB Unity Cup 3.0


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Desserts N More Avengers delivered a commanding performance to defeat Vimson Panjim Powerplay by six wickets in the ongoing GSB Unity Cup 3.0 tournament, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust. The match was played under floodlights at the MCC Ground in Margao on Wednesday.


After winning the toss, Desserts N More Avengers elected to bowl first and successfully restricted Vimson Panjim Powerplay to 122 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Sardesai’s Lone Effort

For Vimson Panjim Powerplay, Arsh Sardesai waged a lone battle with a brisk 55 off 34 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes. Gaurish Agni and Nimay Kamat chipped in with 17 runs each, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled against disciplined bowling.

Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar led the bowling attack for Desserts N More Avengers with impressive figures of 2 for 15. He received good support from Kaushal Hattangadi (1/12), Vikram Gaitonde (1/19), Pratham Prabhugaonkar (1/25) and Akhil Nadkarni (1/23).

Comfortable Chase
Chasing a modest target of 123, Desserts N More Avengers completed the task in just 13.2 overs, reaching 125 for 4.

Smit Dalvi continued his fine form with a quick 39 off 26 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes. Sachin Bhandare (21) and Saish Hegde, who remained unbeaten on 22, ensured there were no late hiccups in the chase.

For Vimson Panjim Powerplay, Shivam Varik stood out with figures of 2 for 15, while Siddhant Amonkar (1/10) and Arsh Sardesai (1/11) picked up a wicket each.

Awards

Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar was named the Desserts N More Player of the Match, with the award presented by Dr. Siya Rajesh Ghodge and Gaurav Borker. Smit Dalvi received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award for his impactful innings.

Brief Scorecard
Vimson Panjim Powerplay – 122/9 in 20 overs
(Arsh Sardesai 55, Gaurish Agni 17, Nimay Kamat 17, Extras 4; Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar 2/15, Kaushal Hattangadi 1/12, Vikram Gaitonde 1/19, Pratham Prabhugaonkar 1/25, Akhil Nadkarni 1/23)

Desserts N More Avengers – 125/4 in 13.2 overs
(Smit Dalvi 39, Saish Hegde 22*, Sachin Bhandare 21, Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar 11*, Extras 12; Shivam Varik 2/15, Siddhant Amonkar 1/10, Arsh Sardesai 1/11)

Sports

Kerala Beat Goa by 102 Runs in Senior Women’s One Day Trophy


Kerala registered an emphatic 102-run victory over Goa in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy Elite Cricket Tournament at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, Kerala posted a competitive total of 282 in 47.5 overs. Akshaya A anchored the innings with a composed 64 off 78 balls, striking nine fours. Asha S played an aggressive knock of 71 from 56 deliveries, hitting eight fours and a six to accelerate the scoring. Vasu Drishya (38) and Najla CMC (27) chipped in with valuable contributions as Kerala recovered from a brief middle-order wobble to post a formidable total.

For Goa, Tejashwini Duragad delivered a standout performance with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for 48 runs in nine overs. Vidhi Bhandare picked up two wickets, while Pooja Kalel, Poorva Bhaidkar and Shreya Parab claimed one each.

Chasing 283 for victory, Goa got off to an excellent start through Purvaja Verlekar (59) and Harshita Yadav (66), who stitched together a solid 113-run opening partnership. Harshita struck nine fours and a six and appeared set for a big score before her dismissal triggered a collapse.

The middle order failed to capitalise, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Tanaya Naik remained unbeaten on 22 but lacked support as Goa were bowled out for 180 in 45.3 overs.

Kerala’s bowling attack was led by Shani T, who claimed 4 wickets for 28 runs in 10 overs, dismantling the Goa batting line-up. Asha S complemented her batting effort with figures of 3 for 19 in 10 overs, while Vinaya Surendran and Darshana Mohanan picked up one wicket each.

With this defeat, Goa concluded their campaign sixth in Group C, recording two wins and five losses from seven matches. The loss to Tripura earlier in the tournament proved costly in their overall standings.

Sports

Jammu and Kashmir Reach Ranji Trophy Final After 67 Years


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

In a landmark achievement, Jammu and Kashmir cricket team advanced to the final of the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 67 years, defeating Bengal cricket team by six wickets in the semifinal.


Chasing a competitive target set by Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir displayed composure and determination, sealing the victory with a confident batting performance. The win marks a historic milestone for the team, which had last reached the final stage of India’s premier domestic cricket tournament nearly seven decades ago.

The semifinal triumph reflects the steady rise of cricket in the Union Territory, with disciplined bowling and resilient batting paving the way for the memorable result. Players and support staff celebrated the achievement as one of the most significant moments in the region’s cricketing history.

With this victory, Jammu and Kashmir now look ahead to the Ranji Trophy final, carrying momentum and the hopes of their supporters as they aim to script an even greater chapter in their journey.

Sports

Baale BPS Open 2026 Draws 197 Entries; New Masters 60+ & 100+ Categories Added


The Baale BPS Open 2026 has recorded a total of 197 entries as registrations officially closed ahead of the tournament’s commencement on February 19 at the B.P.S Sports Club in Margao. Now in its third edition, the all-Goa ranking tennis tournament continues to grow in stature, attracting participants across junior, open and veterans’ categories.

Supported by Baale Resort Goa and conducted under the aegis of the Goa State Tennis Association, the tournament reflects the steady expansion of competitive tennis in the state. This year’s entries include 107 male and 26 female participants competing across singles and doubles formats.

The junior categories have drawn 61 entries across under-10, under-14 and under-18 boys’ and girls’ singles events, signalling strong grassroots engagement and continued interest in the sport among young players. The open division has received 95 entries across men’s and women’s singles, men’s and ladies’ doubles and mixed doubles, underscoring the competitive depth within Goa’s tennis circuit.

The veterans’ segment has recorded 41 entries, with players competing in Masters 45+ Singles, Masters 60+ Singles and Masters 100+ Doubles. The introduction of the Masters 60+ Singles and Masters 100+ Doubles categories marks a significant expansion this year, offering senior players additional competitive platforms while recognising their sustained contribution to the sport.

The tournament will be played over 11 days at the B.P.S Sports Club courts in Margao, bringing together emerging talent and experienced competitors in one of Goa’s most anticipated state ranking tennis events. As the countdown begins, the Baale BPS Open 2026 promises high-quality matches, sporting excellence and a celebration of tennis across generations.

Sports

International Master Nitish Belurkar Clinches Durga Motors Rapid Chess Tournament 2026


Nitish Belurkar emerged victorious at the Durga Motors Rapid Rated Chess Tournament–2026, organised by the Rotary Club of Porvorim at Dr KB Hedgewar High School in Bambolim. The two-day event concluded on Sunday with participation from 260 players, making it one of the largest rapid-rated chess tournaments held in Goa.

Belurkar delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 8.5 points across nine rounds and remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. His consistent play secured him the overall championship title.

The second position was claimed by Niraj Saripalli, who also scored 8 points but finished ahead on superior tie-break scores. Ritviz Parab secured the third position with 8 points.

The annual tournament was organised in association with the Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association and the Goa Chess Association. A total cash prize pool of ₹2.5 lakh was distributed across open and age-group categories.

In addition to the main prizes, winners were recognised in Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories for both boys and girls. Veteran players aged above 45 years were also felicitated. To encourage emerging talent, cash prizes were awarded to the top five unrated players.

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Prateek Sapra, owner of Durga Motors and title sponsor, Dr Pramod Dubale, co-sponsor, Harsh Thakkar, President of Rotary Club of Porvorim, and Ashesh Keni, Secretary of Goa State Chess Association. The tournament proceedings were conducted by Chief Arbiter Umesh Naik.

Speaking at the event, Harsh Thakkar stated that the Rotary Club of Porvorim continues to organise the tournament annually with the objective of promoting chess across Goa and nurturing young talent in the sport.

With increasing participation numbers each year, the tournament reflects the growing popularity of chess in Goa and the strengthening of the state’s competitive chess ecosystem.