Tag: Goa Cricket

Sports

Priority Titans Register Thrilling Three-Run Win Over K K Strikers

Tanisha Cardozo

Priority Titans registered a dramatic three-run victory over K K Strikers in a gripping league encounter of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust, at the MCC Ground, Margao. The match unfolded as a closely contested affair, keeping players and spectators engaged until the final ball.

After winning the toss, Priority Titans opted to bat first and posted a challenging total of 181 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Mihir Kundaikar played a composed and responsible innings, remaining unbeaten on 46 off 35 deliveries. He found able support from Anish Mahambre, who struck a quick 37 off just 17 balls, and Durgesh Prabhu Gaonkar, whose aggressive 34 off 17 balls provided early momentum. For K K Strikers, skipper Nikit Naik Dalal led the bowling attack admirably, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 21 runs.

In response, K K Strikers began their chase under pressure and found themselves struggling at 65 for 5 in 9.3 overs. However, Nikit Naik Dalal once again stepped up, playing a blistering knock of 53 off 32 balls, while Ramnath Prabhu Bam added a valuable 39 to revive hopes of a turnaround. Despite the late surge, Priority Titans maintained their composure in the closing overs, with disciplined bowling restricting the Strikers to 178 for 8 in 20 overs.

Animesh Prabhu Gaonkar and captain Yash Prabhugaonkar played key roles with the ball, picking up two wickets each to ensure the narrow victory. Animesh Prabhu Gaonkar was adjudged Man of the Match, while Mihir Kundaikar received the Hero of the Match award. The honours were presented by chief guests SP Rajendra Prabhudesai and Ved Mahambre.

Sports

CD Fountainhead Edge Past Rising Stars of Ponda by Three Wickets in GSB Unity Cup 3.0

Tanisha Cardozo

CD Fountainhead registered a thrilling three-wicket victory over Rising Stars of Ponda in a league match of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 at the MCC Ground, Margao, played under floodlights on Wednesday.

After winning the toss, Rising Stars of Ponda opted to bat first and posted 119 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Venkat Biche and Sanat Mhapne provided a brisk start with a 37-run partnership in just four overs. Nandan Acharya added 18 runs, while Paarth Kossambe remained unbeaten on 15 to help the team reach a competitive total. CD Fountainhead’s bowling attack was led by Manish Kakode, who delivered a standout spell, claiming four wickets for just 16 runs. He received excellent support from Aditya Prabhugaonkar and Vivek Keny, who picked up two wickets each.

In reply, CD Fountainhead found themselves in early trouble as Rising Stars’ disciplined bowling reduced them to 36 for 5. However, Manish Kakode once again turned the match in his team’s favour with a crucial knock of 50, anchoring the innings before retiring out. Pranav Biche chipped in with 12 runs, while Anish Prabhudesai remained unbeaten on 14 and Vivek Shantaram Keny added a steady 10 not out to guide Fountainhead safely to the target.

CD Fountainhead reached 122 for 7 in 14.5 overs, sealing a hard-fought win and earning valuable league points despite a strong bowling effort from Rising Stars, led by Sanat Mhapne and Ved Mahambre.

Manish Kakode was adjudged Man of the Match for his all-round brilliance, while Vivek Keny received the Hero of the Match award. The honours were presented by the chief guest, Jaiprakash Kunde, bringing a fitting close to an exciting contest.

Sports

Dubai Royals Lift Trophy as World Legends Pro T20 League Concludes in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The inaugural edition of the World Legends Pro T20 League concluded in memorable fashion in Goa, with Dubai Royals lifting the trophy after a commanding 8-wicket victory over Pune Panthers in the final held on February 4 at the 1919 Sportz Stadium. The result capped a ten-day cricketing spectacle that blended nostalgia, competitiveness, and world-class performances from some of the game’s most celebrated names.

After winning the toss, Pune Panthers chose to bat first and made an assertive start through their openers, who put together a solid 100-run partnership. Upul Tharanga anchored the innings with a composed 55, while Martin Guptill continued his rich vein of form with a fluent 62. Dubai Royals clawed their way back into the contest through disciplined spin bowling, with Parvez Rasool breaking the opening stand and Piyush Chawla delivering crucial breakthroughs by dismissing Guptill and Pune captain Kieron Pollard. Shane Watson provided late impetus with an unbeaten 24-ball half-century, powering Pune Panthers to a competitive total of 195 for 4.

Chasing a challenging target, Dubai Royals displayed composure and intent. Manvinder Bisla set the tone with a fluent half-century, while captain Shikhar Dhawan once again underlined his class with a sublime 64, continuing his exceptional run throughout the tournament. Although Dwayne Bravo claimed the key wicket of Dhawan and Bisla departed soon after, Samit Patel and Ambati Rayudu stitched together a decisive partnership, guiding the Royals home comfortably with an over to spare.

The tournament featured 90 legendary cricketers from across the globe and witnessed packed stands, close contests, and standout individual performances. Piyush Chawla finished as the Purple Cap holder with 15 wickets, while Martin Guptill claimed the Orange Cap with 317 runs. The final was attended by Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A Khaunte and Shri Govind Gaude, MLA of the Priol Constituency, reflecting the state’s strong support for sporting initiatives.

Highlighting the broader impact of the league, Shri Rohan A Khaunte emphasised the role of sports tourism in diversifying Goa’s tourism economy and creating meaningful engagement for visitors beyond conventional travel experiences. As the curtain came down on its inaugural season, the World Legends Pro T20 League not only crowned its first champions but also firmly positioned Goa as a destination capable of hosting large-scale international sporting events while delivering lasting benefits to local communities.

Sports

World Legends Pro T20 Delivers a Grand Finale to Remember in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The World Legends Pro T20 League concluded in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night, bringing down the curtains on a tournament that successfully blended nostalgia, competitiveness and high-quality cricket, while firmly establishing Goa as a destination capable of hosting marquee sporting events.

Over the past few weeks, the league brought together some of the most iconic names in world cricket, delivering thrilling contests and moments that reminded fans why these players once ruled the global stage. Packed stadiums, strong broadcast viewership and a festive atmosphere both on and off the field underlined the growing appeal of the tournament.

World Cup-winning captain and League Commissioner Michael Clarke praised both the cricket on display and the setting that hosted it, noting that the tournament showcased Goa beyond its image as a holiday destination. He highlighted the quality of facilities, the enthusiastic crowds and the enjoyment expressed by players throughout the competition.

Despite having retired from international cricket, the legends approached each match with unmistakable intensity. Clarke remarked that the hunger to win never fades, with players still eager to perform, compete and deliver at the highest level. Several performances throughout the tournament reinforced this competitive edge.

The league produced multiple headline moments, including Martin Guptill’s sublime century, described by Clarke as among the finest innings of his career, and Piyush Chawla’s sensational hat-trick that electrified fans. These performances ensured the competition was far more than a nostalgic exhibition.

With evenly matched teams and close finishes throughout the league stage, the knockout rounds brought out the very best in the players. Clarke noted that the balance across teams played a key role in the tournament’s success, making the semifinals and final particularly compelling.

Leadership emerged as another defining element of the tournament, with Clarke singling out Harbhajan Singh’s captaincy for its tactical sharpness and calm decision-making under pressure, which translated into consistent on-field performances.

As the inaugural edition comes to a close, the World Legends Pro T20 leaves behind more than memorable matches. It has reaffirmed the enduring appeal of cricket’s legends, delivered a fresh entertainment product for fans, and opened the door for Goa to play a larger role on the international sporting calendar.

Sports

Dubai Royals to Face Pune Panthers in World Legends Pro T20 League Final

Tanisha Cardozo

The World Legends Pro T20 League is set for an exciting conclusion as Shikhar Dhawan-led Dubai Royals prepare to face Kieron Pollard’s Pune Panthers in the final on 4th February 2026 at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Goa. The much-anticipated clash follows two high-intensity semi-finals that showcased the enduring class and competitive spirit of cricket’s biggest legends.

Dubai Royals booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 17-run victory over league table toppers Delhi Warriors in the second semi-final. Put in to bat first, the Royals faced early pressure as wickets fell regularly. Once again, Shikhar Dhawan stood tall, anchoring the innings with calm assurance. The left-hander continued his rich vein of form, crafting a composed 71 and holding the innings together when partnerships were hard to come by.

While wickets continued to tumble at the other end, Delhi Warriors skipper Harbhajan Singh kept his side in the contest with a disciplined bowling spell, picking up two crucial wickets. A late surge from Yusuf Pathan, who smashed 34 off just 19 balls, proved vital in pushing Dubai Royals to a competitive total of 192 for 7.

In response, Delhi Warriors began positively, but timely breakthroughs shifted the momentum. Parvez Rasool provided the first opening, and Piyush Chawla followed it up with a match-defining spell. Chawla’s figures of 3 for 25 choked the middle order just when Delhi threatened to accelerate, swinging the game firmly in Dubai Royals’ favour. Despite resistance from Shreevats Goswami and a late flourish by Seekkuge Prasanna, Delhi Warriors fell short at 175 for 7.

Earlier in the first semi-final, Pune Panthers showcased their depth and composure with a six-wicket win over Rajasthan Lions. Angelo Perera’s unbeaten 96 went in vain as Pune’s bowling, led by DJ Bravo, kept things under control before S Shinwari and Robin Uthappa guided a steady chase to seal their spot in the final.

With Dhawan’s consistency, Pollard’s firepower, and a host of legendary names on display, the final promises a fitting end to a memorable World Legends Pro T20 League season. Tickets for the matches are available on BookMyShow.