MARGAO
The 44th edition of the prestigious Commonwealth Developers Nanda Lolayekar Trophy concluded with an absorbing final, in which Arlem Cricket Club emerged victorious against Margao Cricket Club, securing a well-earned 26-run win at Nirakar Ground, Dapot. The tournament was organised by Mashem Cricket Club.
Margao Cricket Club won the toss and elected to bowl first. Arlem Cricket Club, after being put under severe pressure early on, were bowled out for 216 runs in 33.4 overs. At one stage, Arlem were reeling at 81 for 6, facing the prospect of a modest total. However, a crucial turnaround was engineered through determined partnerships.
Rahul Mehta played a commanding innings of 60 runs off 45 balls, forging a vital 7th-wicket partnership of 80 runs with Vikas Singh, who contributed a fluent 47 off 40 balls. Mehta then added further stability with a 55-run stand for the 8th wicket alongside Parth Sahani, who scored a brisk 26 off 19 balls. Additional support came from Aryan Narvekar (28 off 29 balls), helping Arlem post a competitive total.
For Margao Cricket Club, Deep Kasvankar was the standout bowler with impressive figures of 3 for 32, well supported by Kaushal Hattangadi (2 for 30) and Mohit Redlar (1 for 28).
In reply, Margao Cricket Club fought hard but were bowled out for 190 runs in 32.4 overs, falling short despite several fighting performances. Sanath Nevagi top-scored with an aggressive 52 off 31 balls, while Ayush Verlekar (32 off 51 balls), Sagar Solanki (28 off 36 balls), and Mohit Redkar (26 off 18 balls) kept Margao in contention.
Arlem’s disciplined bowling attack ensured control in the latter stages of the match. Vikas Singh capped off a fine all-round performance with 3 wickets for 40 runs, earning him the Man of the Match (Final) award. He was ably assisted by Rahul Mehta (2 for 26) and Saurin Thakur (2 for 42).
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Tulshidas Shetye, Secretary of the Goa Cricket Association, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present included Chetan Desai, Chairman of Mallikarjun College; Vinod Phadke, Secretary of the Board of Veteran Cricket in India; Shamba Desai, former GCA Secretary; and Sachin Naik, Panch of Loliem Panchayat.
In a special gesture of appreciation, GCA Secretary Tulshidas Shetye announced a cash award of ₹25,000 to Minu Fernandes, GCA umpire from Mashem Cricket Club, in recognition of his 32 years of dedicated service to cricket officiating.
Further strengthening grassroots cricket, Chetan Desai and Vinod Phadke assured the Mashem Cricket Club of full support in nurturing young talent in Canacona, including efforts to appoint a National Cricket Academy (NCA)– level coach for aspiring cricketers from the region.
The winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs 50,000 while the runners-up had to be content with Rs 30,000.
Individual Awards
Man of the Series: Deep Kasvankar (Margao Cricket Club)
Man of the Match – Final: Vikas Singh (Arlem Cricket Club)
Best Batsman of the Tournament: Prathamesh Gawas (Arlem Cricket Club)
Best Bowler of the Tournament: Yash Prabhugaonkar (Sportsweek)
