Tag: cricket tournament Goa

Sports

Priority Titans Edge Baale Tigers by 1 Run, Storm into PGML 5.0 Final

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji witnessed a heart-stopping cricket encounter as Priority Titans edged past Baale Tigers by a solitary run in Qualifier 2 of the PGML 5.0 tournament, organised by the Panaji Gymkhana. Played at the Bandodkar Ground, the high-stakes clash lived up to expectations, delivering a finish that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last ball.

After being put in to bat, Priority Titans posted a competitive total of 163 for 9 in their 20 overs. Heramb Shankar Parab anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 41 balls, while Rijul Pathak added a steady 37. Kiran Shirwaikar provided the much-needed acceleration with a quickfire 34 off just 15 deliveries, and Jaipal Mada chipped in with an unbeaten 21 towards the end to push the total to a defendable score.

In response, Baale Tigers began confidently, with Lakshay Garg and Sandeep Dahad stitching together a solid opening stand. Samar Dubhashi further strengthened the chase with a well-paced 40, keeping his side firmly in contention.

The match reached a dramatic climax in the final over, with Baale Tigers needing 10 runs off the last two balls. Niraj Lotlekar’s boundary off the penultimate delivery reignited hopes, and four byes off the final ball brought the equation down to the barest margin. However, the Titans held their nerve to seal a thrilling one-run victory.

With this win, Priority Titans advance to the grand finale, where they will face RC Goa. Heramb Shankar Parab’s all-round brilliance, including his crucial half-century and two wickets, earned him the Man of the Match award.

As anticipation builds for the final, cricket fans can expect another electrifying contest, with dignitaries including Digambar Kamat and former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes set to grace the occasion.

Sports

RC Goa Crowned PGML 5.0 Champions After Dominant Final Win

Tanisha Cardozo

RC Goa emerged champions of the Panjim Gymkhana-organised PGML 5.0 cricket tournament after defeating Priority Titans by five wickets in a commanding final at Bandodkar Ground.

Chasing a target of 157, RC Goa displayed confidence and composure, completing the run chase with 27 deliveries to spare. The champions were awarded ₹3 lakh along with the trophy, while Priority Titans settled for the runners-up prize of ₹2 lakh.

Earlier, Priority Titans opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 156 before being bowled out in 19.3 overs. The innings began on a strong note, with the team reaching 102 for 1, but a sudden middle-order collapse saw them slip to 114 for 5. Contributions from Rijul Pathak (37), Atharva (37), and Adeep Misquin (26) laid the foundation, but the lower order failed to capitalise.

RC Goa’s bowling unit played a crucial role in restricting the opposition. Nakul Mhamal led the attack with impressive figures of 3 for 23, while Dattesh Priolkar picked up two wickets. Support came from Aryan Mashelkar, Gauresh Khandepakar, and Vardhan Prabhu Misquin, who kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

In response, RC Goa got off to a flying start, with Venkatesh Verlekar smashing 29 off just 13 balls. Sachin Sardesai anchored the innings with a composed 40, while Vardhan Prabhu Misquin added a valuable 38. Skipper Rajshekhar Harikant ensured there were no late setbacks, finishing unbeaten on 24 and sealing the victory in style with three consecutive sixes.

At the presentation ceremony, Digambar Kamat congratulated the winners and noted the competitive nature of the league, with a different champion emerging each year. Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, who attended as a special guest, praised the spirit of teamwork and the successful organisation of the tournament.

Individual Awards:

  • Player of the Match: Nakul Mhamal
  • Best Fielder: Adeep Misquin
  • Best Bowler: Ramnath Gaonkar
  • Best Batter: Heramb Shankar Parab
  • Player of the Tournament: Ramnath Gaonkar

The tournament once again highlighted the depth of cricketing talent in Goa, delivering exciting matches and memorable performances for fans.

Sports

Alcon GSB Unity Cup 3.0 Auction Set for October 4 at Taj Vivanta, Panaji

Tanisha Cardozo

The Alcon GSB Unity Cup 3.0 is gearing up for its most anticipated event — the Grand Auction — to be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Taj Vivanta, Panaji. Organised by the Goa GSB Sports & Charitable Trust and powered by Alcon Anil Counto Enterprises, the auction will finalize team compositions for the third edition of the prestigious GSB Unity Cup, a grassroots-level cricket tournament bringing together talent, passion, and community engagement.

This year, a total of 187 players registered for the tournament, out of which 180 will go under the hammer. The auction sets the stage for intense action and strategic bidding as 10 teams compete for top cricketing talent. The auction will be followed by an official inaugural ceremony between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, which will include the Trophy and Jersey unveiling along with the felicitation of team owners.

The chief guest for the evening will be Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, a well-respected name in Goan sports and business circles. Mr. Yogiraj Kamat will attend as the Guest of Honour, with Mr. Aakash Khaunte as Special Invitee. The event promises to be a perfect blend of sportsmanship, strategy, and celebration.

The 10 teams competing this year and their respective owners are: CD Fountainhead (Chirag Datta Naik and Gaurav Borkar), Sinq Rangers (Sahil Adwalpalkar and Sanket Singbal), Madgaon Royals Cricket Club (Ashish Dukle and Adv Sahish Mahambrey), Desserts n More Avengers (Dr. Sagar Salgaocar), Priority Titans (Parind Nachinolkar & Swapneel Nachinolkar), KK Strikers (Kewal Kane and Amit Kamat), Shamrao Tridents (Prathamesh Sukhtankar), Dempo Challengers (Shrinivas Dempo), Vimson Panjim Powerplay (Harshvardhan Bhatkuly and Siddhant Amonkar), and Rising Stars of Ponda (Dr. Ketan Bhatikar).

This year’s tournament will be played across MCC in Margao and Panjim Gymkhana in January–February 2026. Venkat Biche is serving as the Chief Coordinator for the tournament and has been instrumental in shaping its structure and execution. The auction evening will also feature the presentation of mementoes to dignitaries, inspiring speeches, and a showcase of players and teams to watch out for in this highly anticipated edition of the Unity Cup.