Anand Tendulkar receives Man of the Match prize from Suresh Karapurkar, Treasurer of Panjim Gymkhana.
Photo Credits: The Goan
PANAJI
Salgaocar Cricket Club and Geno Sports Club scored stunning victories in their respective matches in the ongoing Bandodkar Premier League T20 tournament organised by Panjim Gymkhana, here on Wednesday.
An electrifying unbeaten half-century by captain Deepraj Gaonkar led Salgaocar Cricket Club to a crucial 45-run victory over Dempo Cricket Club in the first match of the day. Later, a splendid half-century by Anand Tendulkar was at the core of a fine team performance by Geno Sports Club as they beat Alcon MCC by 24 runs to open their campaign with a victory. It was Alcon MCC's second consecutive loss, dealing a blow to their chances of progressing to the knockout phase.
The second day of the tournament got off to a stunning start when Deepraj, who was named player of the match, seized the initiative with a sensational knock of 23-ball 60 not out as he thumped the Dempo bowlers with Salgaocar CC racing from 98/4 in 13.1 overs to 189/5 in 20 overs. The talented Goa all-rounder dealt in sixes, plundering seven maximums, while hitting only two boundaries.
Dempo CC failed to build momentum in the big chase as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The opening duo of Karan Vasshodia (22) and captain Manthan Khutkar (14) put on 33 runs for the first wicket in 3.4 overs. That was also the highest partnership for Dempo as their key batters failed to turn their starts into substantial contributions.
Salgaocar had suffered a comprehensive loss against Chowgule SC on the opening day. The win gives the Vasco-based club a strong chance to make it to the semifinal stage.
Opting to bat first, Geno Sports Club got off to a flying start with opener Anand Tendulkar blazing his way to 72 runs off 51 balls, in the team total of 188/5. In reply, Alcon MCC were all out on 164 in 19.5 overs as Geno bowlers displayed good all-round wicket-taking ability.
