MARGAO
The Sarsangan Commonwealth Developers +40 Men’s Cricket Series produced another entertaining day of cricket at the Arlem Cricket Ground, with Brahmaputra Bulls opening their account with a hard-fought victory, while S2 Strikers continued their dominant run by registering their third consecutive win to remain on top of the points table after the third round of league matches.
In the morning encounter, Brahmaputra Bulls clinched a thrilling five-wicket win over Mapusa Dream Crushers. Batting first, the Dream Crushers put up an impressive total of 187 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, led by Damodar Pai Patnekar, who struck a fluent 38 off 20 balls, and Vibhav Pai, who matched the tempo with 36 off 20 deliveries. Rajesh Colvalcar (23) and Gaurish Shenvi Lotlikar (20) added valuable runs in the middle order. For the Bulls, Siddhesh Prabhu Alvenkar, Aditya Prabhugaonkar and Parai Dubhashi picked up a wicket each.
In reply, Brahmaputra Bulls chased down the target in 19.1 overs, finishing on 189 for 5. Aditya Prabhugaonkar set the tone with a quickfire 38 off 20 balls, well supported by skipper Siddhesh Prabhu Alvenkar, who scored 37 off 23 deliveries. Rajendra Prabhudesai (21) and Kauntey Shenvi (22) chipped in, before Laxmikant Kurade’s unbeaten 37 off just 19 balls guided the Bulls home with five balls to spare. Mahesh Churi, Viraj Padiyar and Siddhesh Shetye claimed a wicket each for the Dream Crushers.
Aditya Prabhugaonkar was adjudged the Man of the Match. The other individual award winners were Damodar Pai Patnekar (Best Batter), Siddhesh Prabhu Alvenkar (Best Bowler), Laxmikant Kurade (Wakao Super Striker) and Mahesh Churi (Commonwealth Developers Impact Player).
In the second match of the day, S2 Strikers registered a commanding nine-wicket victory over Govindraj Legends. Batting first, the Legends were rocked early by a fiery opening spell from Siddhesh Bodke, who reduced them to 22 for 4 inside the first five overs. The Legends recovered well to post a competitive 165 for 7 in 20 overs, with Amith Kamat top-scoring with 40 off 25 balls, supported by Nikhil Virginkar (37 off 17 balls) and Amogh Agshikar (28). Siddhesh Bodke was the pick of the bowlers with excellent figures of 4 for 23, while Jaiprakash Kunde and Rasik Pai Khot picked up a wicket apiece.
Chasing a target of 166, S2 Strikers made light work of the total, racing to 168 for 1 in 19.1 overs. Sandeep Thali (35), Sarvesh Kamat (35), Shiraj Pai Khot (37) and Siddhesh Desai (23 not out) ensured a comfortable finish, with Amogh Agshikar being the lone wicket-taker for the Legends.
Siddhesh Bodke was named the Man of the Match, while the individual awards went to Amith Kamat (Best Batter), Rasik Pai Khot (Best Bowler), Nikhil Virginkar (Super Striker) and Shiraj Pai Khot (Impact Player).
