MARGAO
Antruz Aviators secured their place in the finals with a thrilling win, while Mapusa Dream Crushers' hopes were dashed despite an earlier victory on Day 9 of the Sarsangan Priority Veterans Cricket Tournament, at the Arlem Cricket Ground.
Batting first, Ultracon Madgaon Royals posted a competitive 174-6 in 20 overs, with key contributions from Anish Dharwadkar (37), Vishwesh Kamat (24) and Ashesh Dukle (22).* The Dream Crushers’ bowlers shared wickets, with Kurade, Vernekar, Mahajan and Kudchadkar each taking one.
In reply, Mapusa Dream Crushers cruised to victory in 17.5 overs, finishing at 176-2. Solid batting efforts from Vibhav Pai (35), Avinash Kossambe (36), Laxmikant Kurade (35) and Amith Kamat (21)* ensured a comfortable win. Notably, none of the Royals' bowlers managed a breakthrough.
Individual Awards: Man of the Match: Vibhav Pai (Drogaria Colvalcar); Best Batter: Anish Dharwadkar (Priority Constructions); Best Bowler: Bhushan Pai Vernekar (Wakao)
Needing a win to book a finals spot, Antruz Aviators faced Delite Titans, who posted 141-8 after opting to bat. Sanjay Netravalkar (35) and Amogh Namshiker (20)* were the top scorers. Balkrishna Kamat (2-11) and Gomakant Mahambrey (2-18) led a disciplined bowling effort.
In a tense chase, the Aviators were cruising at 123-3, but a hattrick from Siddesh Bodke (4-12) sparked a collapse. Eventually, Rasik Pai Khot (17)* and Raju Shenai Salgaonkar (5)* held their nerve to seal a 142-6 win with 3 balls to spare.
Individual Awards: Man of the Match: Sudin Kamat (Drogaria Colvalcar); Best Batter: Prasad Bhende (Priority Constructions); Best Bowler: Siddesh Bodke (Wakao)
With this win, Antruz Aviators topped the table with 12 points and a superior net run rate, qualifying for the final on May 4 against Ultracon Madgaon Royals, who also finished with 12 points. Mapusa Dream Crushers (11 points) will now face Delite Titans in the 3rd place playoff.
