MARGAO
The Sarsangan Commonwealth Developers +40 Men’s Cricket Series concluded in dramatic fashion at the Arlem Cricket Ground, as Govindraj Legends edged past S2 Strikers by a narrow five-run margin in a pulsating final to lift the Championship trophy.
Electing to bat first under the afternoon sun, Govindraj Legends put up an imposing total of 195 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. After an early setback with the loss of Sudin Kamat for 9, Vishwesh Kamat (32) and Sahish Mahambrey steadied the innings. While the middle order failed to convert promising starts, Nikhil Virginkar’s unbeaten 33 provided the late impetus required to push the total to a competitive 195. For S2 Strikers, Samrudh Hegde Desai and Rakesh Mallya claimed two wickets apiece, while Rasik Pai Khot, Siddesh Desai and Sarvesh Kamat chipped in with one wicket each.
In reply, S2 Strikers got off to a brisk start with Sarvesh Kamat scoring 21, but a flurry of wickets saw them slip to 50 for 3 in the seventh over. A spirited fightback led by Siddhesh Bodke (37), Siddesh Desai (34) and Samrudh Hegde Desai (22) kept the contest alive, with the Strikers needing 15 runs off the final over.
However, Advocate Sahish Mahambrey held his nerve in the decisive over, conceding just nine runs to deny S2 Strikers a famous victory. The Strikers finished on 190 for 7, handing Govindraj Legends a memorable five-run win and the Championship. Amith Kamat was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Mayur Kamat, Sudin Kamat and Sarin Kane took one wicket each.
Amith Kamat was adjudged the Drogaria Colvalcar Man of the Match. Other individual award winners included Siddhesh Bodke (Priority Constructions Best Batter), Samrudh Hegde Desai (Deccan Fine Chemicals Best Bowler), Sarvesh Kamat (Wakao Super Striker) and Sahish Mahambrey (Commonwealth Developers Impact Player).
Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar, who finished the tournament with 219 runs, six wickets and five dismissals, was named the Player of the Series. Sarvesh Kamat (214 runs) received the Best Batter of the Series, while Siddhesh Bodke (11 wickets) was awarded the Best Bowler of the Series. Laxmikant Kurade was adjudged the Best Wicketkeeper, Amith Kamat the Best Fielder, and Sudin Kamat received the Best Catch award.
Chirag Datta Naik of Commonwealth Developers was the Chief Guest at the prize distribution ceremony, along with Dr. Mahendra Kudchadkar and Govind Kamat. The proceedings were compered by Gomakant Mahambrey.
Earlier in the day, in the third-place playoff, Brahmaputra Bulls defeated Mapusa Dream Crushers by 35 runs to secure the third position in the tournament.
