Margao: The trio of Vedant Naik, Gopal Gawas, and Sagar Shet emerged victorious in the Ultimate Trio Trophy cricket tournament organized by the Margao Cricket Club in memory of Rajesh Ghodge. The thrilling final saw them defeat the team comprising Kapil Borker, Anup Kudchadkar, and Vinay Sambari at the MCC Ground in Margao.
In the semi-finals, Vedant Naik’s team showcased their dominance by securing a win against Siddhesh Alvencar’s team, while Kapil Borker’s side outplayed Sahish Mahambrey’s team to book their place in the final. The tournament featured 16 competitive teams, each consisting of three players, adding a unique twist to the traditional cricket format.
Kapil Borker earned the title of Best Batsman with an impressive score of 71 runs in the tournament. Demonstrating his exceptional bowling skills, Gopal Gawas was named Best Bowler after taking six wickets. The Best Fielders award was shared by the talented trio of Shivam Singh, Sai Naik, and Dwij Palyekar.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Chetan Desai, Chairman of Shri Mallikarjun and Shri Chetan Manju Desai College in Canacona and a well-known social activist, who congratulated the winners and encouraged the spirit of sportsmanship.
Rohit Kamat, Managing Director of Western Beverages Pvt. Ltd., and Swapnil Nachinolkar, Director of Priority Constructions, were the Guests of Honour.
Panaji: The Sunita Verlekar Foundation will be organising the 5th edition of the Ramakant Verlekar Champions Trophy T20 Cricket on March 29, 6pm onwards.
The T20 match will be played at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ground, Margao Cricket Club under floodlights between MCL Superstars – Margao Cricket Club Members League Premium and PGML Kings – Panjim Gymkhana Members League Premium.
Trustee of Sunita Verlekar Foundation, Gautam Verlekar said that the Chief Guest for the event, being a milestone edition of the fifth year, will be Lalchand Rajput. He is a former India cricketer, ex-India coach T20 World Cup winning team in 2007, coach of UAE, & former opening batsman and coach – Mumbai Ranji Team.
Verlekar termed the match as a prized contest between two leading teams, Margao Cricket Club and Panjim Gymkhana Cricket club. He said that the teams will comprise the best players from their respective members’ leagues, and thanked Manoj Caculo and Yogesh Naik for their support.
“Both clubs have storied and legendary status in terms of the players they have produced for the state of Goa. The trophy is a small attempt to bring the top two clubs of the state and best players of these clubs compete against each other in a T20 match. This year, the teams of both clubs have been picked by both clubs and we hope that it will be an exciting contest.”
Chief Trustee of Sunita Verlekar Foundation Kishore Kodolikar said that it is an attempt by the foundation to showcase this event annually.
“Gautam’s father, Ramakant Verlekar, was a CA by profession and a big cricket aficionado. He was an opening batsman for the Timblo cricket team in the 1970s. We are trying to have this trophy every year to carry forward his legacy. “
Chairman of the governing council of Panjim Gymkhana, Suresh Mahadevan said, “Both these clubs have been in the forefront of cricket in Goa. This is another opportunity for the best of the players in the state to compete against each other.”
Secretary of Margao Cricket Club Apoorva Bhembre said, “Both these clubs in Goa have their own grounds, infrastructure, institution and membership strength. They also organise their members’ leagues. It is an opportunity for the players who will come together as both teams will have common members of the clubs, so this is not Margao Cricket Club versus Panjim Gymkhana. This is a contest of talent and abilities. We hope to see a competitive event.”
Verlekar said that the reason for the floodlight match is the hot weather. He also said that the match will have a few added variations like rolling substitutions as well as a challenge over and restrictions in terms of the number of runs the batsmen can score.
“There are two additions in the rules – teams are allowed to substitute 3 players during the game. And the other being there will be a challenge over between the 11th and 15th over in which the team batting team has the opportunity to score double the runs or none depending on their targeted runs announced previously,” he said.
Captain of PGML winning team Mukhtar Kadri said that the team is excited to play at the ground for the first time under floodlights.
While Captain of MCL Stars Aditya Angle said, “I have played four editions and it will be a brilliant march that will comprise the best talent. We may have passed our age but we still have our ability to play.”
