Tag: Goa Cricket

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

CD Fountainhead, Sinq Rangers Shine in GSB Unity Cup 3.0 Thrillers

Tanisha Cardozo

Margao witnessed an evening of gripping cricket action as CD Fountainhead and Sinq Rangers emerged victorious in their respective matches of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust. Played under lights at the MCC ground, both encounters kept spectators engaged till the final overs.

In the first match, CD Fountainhead put up a competitive total of 169 for 7 in 20 overs. Manish Kakode anchored the innings with a well-crafted 49, supported by Anish Prabhudesai’s 45. The middle order capitalised in the death overs, with Vikrant Prabhu and Pranav Biche adding crucial runs to push the total to a challenging score.

Chasing 170, Desserts N More Avengers fought hard but fell just short, finishing at 161 for 7. Kaushal Hattangadi and Saish Hegde led the resistance, but disciplined bowling from Pranav Biche and Vikrant Prabhu ensured Fountainhead maintained control to seal the win.

The second match saw Sinq Rangers post a strong total of 182 for 6. Contributions came from across the batting lineup, with Sairaj Dhond, Nikhil Virginkar, Vismay Falgaonkar, and Megh Netravalkar all playing impactful knocks to build a commanding innings.

Priority Titans had a shaky start in response, losing early wickets and slipping to 22 for 4. However, Sahil Mandrekar’s half-century and Animesh Prabhugaonkar’s steady knock revived hopes. Despite the fightback, Mehanak Dharwadkar’s brilliant spell of 4 for 25 turned the tide, restricting Titans to 174 and sealing a well-earned win for Sinq Rangers.

With these results, the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 continues to deliver exciting cricket, highlighting emerging talent and competitive spirit in Goa’s local cricket circuit.

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

Tridents & Strikers Dominate in GSB Unity Cup Thriller

Tanisha Cardozo

Margao witnessed an action-packed day of cricket as the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 delivered thrilling encounters at the MCC Ground, with K.K. Strikers and Shamrao Tridents emerging victorious in their respective matches.

In the morning clash, K.K. Strikers put up an imposing total of 205 for 9 in 20 overs. Opener Viraj Puranik led the charge with a blistering 55 off just 24 balls, laced with boundaries, while Rauji Kakodkar’s unbeaten 44 off 20 balls powered the innings past the 200-run mark. Ramnath Prabhu Bam also chipped in with a valuable 37. For Dempo Challengers, Shridhar Keni stood out with the ball, claiming three wickets.

Chasing a daunting target, Dempo Challengers showed glimpses of resistance through captain Samar Dubhashi (55), Tunish Sawkar (32), and Vibhav Pai (34). However, regular wickets and a lack of support from the lower order saw them fall short at 173. Rasik Pai Khot turned the game with a match-winning spell of 4 for 22, sealing a 32-run victory for the Strikers.

The second match proved to be a tighter contest, with Shamrao Tridents defending a modest total of 150 for 9. Deval Karmali’s impressive 53 and Siddhant Kunde’s steady unbeaten 37 anchored the innings, despite regular wickets. Rising Stars of Ponda bowlers Tanmay Sukhthankar and Shaunit Sawardekar kept things in check with three wickets each.

In response, Rising Stars struggled early but fought back through Ved Mahambre’s 50 and captain Prasheel Kamat’s 34. However, disciplined bowling from the Tridents, led by Kritin Bhangui’s 3 for 18, ensured they were bowled out for 135, handing Tridents a 15-run win.

Rasik Pai Khot was named Desserts N More Player of the Match, while Viraj Puranik received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award in the first game. In the second match, Siddhant Kunde and Deval Karmali were recognised for their standout performances.

With strong performances and competitive spirit on display, the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 continues to celebrate grassroots cricket and emerging talent in Goa.

Sports

RC Goa, Dempo Challengers Register Convincing Wins in PGML 5.0

Tanisha Cardozo

RC Goa and Dempo Challengers registered comfortable victories in their respective matches in the ongoing PGML 5.0 cricket tournament organised by Panjim Gymkhana at the Campal ground in Panaji.

In the first match of the day, Desserts N More Avengers, after being invited to bat, were bowled out for 108 runs in 19.5 overs. Vikas Shetty anchored the innings with a well-made 50 off 36 balls, striking two fours and three sixes, while Muktiar Kadri added 24 runs. However, the rest of the batting line-up struggled to build partnerships. Aryan Mashelkar led the bowling attack for RC Goa with an impressive spell of 3 for 16, well supported by Rajshekhar Harikant, Ramnath Gaonkar and others.

In reply, RC Goa chased down the target in just 11.3 overs despite losing five wickets. Aryan Mashelkar capped off an excellent all-round performance by scoring 31 runs off 25 balls. Captain Rajshekhar Harikant contributed 23 runs, while Ramnath Gaonkar added 19 to steady the innings. Aryan Mashelkar was adjudged Player of the Match for his impactful contributions with both bat and ball.

In the second encounter, Sun Estate Warriors batted first and were all out for 125 runs in 18.1 overs. Abhijit Bhandare played a blistering knock of 51 off just 20 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes, while Dhilan Shah supported with 28 runs. For Dempo Challengers, Aditya Angle and Prashant Pangam picked up two wickets each to restrict the opposition.

Chasing 126 for victory, Dempo Challengers reached the target in 16.5 overs, finishing at 126 for 3. Vedant Naik produced a match-winning innings of 52 off 28 balls, which included three fours and four sixes. Sameer Chodankar added a steady 28 runs to guide the chase. Vedant Naik was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution.

With consistent performances and competitive fixtures, the PGML 5.0 tournament continues to deliver exciting cricket action at the Panaji Gymkhana ground.