MARGAO
The MCC Royals clinched a nail-biting 9-run victory over the MCC Knights in the 10th season of the Members Cricket League T-20, organized by the Margao Cricket Club. The match, played under lights on Wednesday, saw the Royals post an imposing total of 186/5 in their 20 overs. In reply, the Knights fell short, managing 177/9, marking their sixth consecutive defeat in the tournament.
The Royals’ innings was bolstered by a solid opening partnership between Samrudh Bharne (38 off 28 balls, 7 fours) and Chirag Naik (20). Contributions from captain Aditya Angle (24) and an explosive display by Reuben Karekar (35 off 17 balls, 4 fours, 1 six) and Shailesh Redkar (35 off 13 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes) ensured a commanding total. For the Knights, bowlers Rohit Mehta and Sachin Verlekar managed to pick up one wicket each.
In response, Knights opener Venkat Biche provided a brisk start with 24 off 13 balls, but his partner, Sagar Shet, struggled to accelerate. Middle-order batters Pawan Rane (36 off 26 balls, 5 fours) and Vijay (40 off 29 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes) kept their side in contention. However, the lower order faltered under pressure. Royals’ Reuben Karekar, who shone with both bat and ball, claimed 2 wickets for 29 runs and was deservedly named Man of the Match. Aditya Angle, Vinay Sambari, Shailesh Redkar, and Iftikhar Agha chipped in with one wicket apiece.
As the league stage nears its conclusion, MCC Masters and MCC Dragons have already secured their play-off berths. Meanwhile, MCC Tigers, MCC Warriors, MCC Stallions, and MCC Royals, all tied at 6 points, remain in contention for the remaining two spots. MCC Legends (4 points) and MCC Knights (0 points) have been eliminated but still have the potential to play spoiler in their final matches.
