PANAJI
Dempo Cricket Club clinched the Goa Premier Division League 2025-26 title, organized by the Goa Cricket Association. In the final, Dempo defeated Chowgule Sports Club on the basis of their first-innings lead. With the match ending in a draw, Chowgule had to pay the price for their first-innings deficit.
Playing cautiously yet aggressively, they piled up a massive 646 for 9 declared in 150.2 overs. Despite losing a few early wickets, Abhinav Tej Rana (70) and Aman Dhooper (124) steadied the innings. Captain Snehal Kauthankar then produced a brilliant knock of 241 runs off 271 balls. Jeevan Chittem contributed 101 runs to strengthen the middle order.
Chasing a huge total, Chowgule Sports Club offered strong resistance. Gauresh Kambli (105) and Darshan Misal (123) scored centuries to revive their side, while Felix Alemao added 75 runs. However, Dempo's bowlers struck at regular intervals to bundle out Chowgule for 497 in 110.3 overs. Mohit Yadav took five wickets, while Abhinav Tej Rana claimed three.
After securing a first-innings lead of 149 runs, Dempo started cautiously in their second innings. Resuming on 16 for 2 at the end of day three, they slipped to 45 for 4 on Saturday. However, Aman Dhooper (40) and captain Snehal Kauthankar (119 not out, 15 fours, 1 six) added 72 runs for the fifth wicket, preventing Chowgule from making a comeback. Mohit Yadav contributed a gritty 28 runs. Dempo ended at 235 for 7 in 71 overs.
With 67 overs of play completed in the day, both captains agreed to call off the match as a draw. Dempo captain Snehal Kauthankar was adjudged the standout performer of the match.
