MARGAO
CD Fountainhead delivered an impressive all-round performance to defeat Desserts N More Avengers by 19 runs and lift the title in the final of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 cricket tournament organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust, at the MCC Ground in Margao.
After winning the toss, Desserts N More Avengers opted to field first. Batting from the outset, CD Fountainhead posted a formidable total of 180 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Opening the innings, Atchut Naik Dalal contributed 23 runs, while Aditya Prabhugaonkar kept the momentum going with a brisk 28 off just 18 balls. In the middle order, Manish Kakode played a crucial knock of 37 runs from 22 deliveries, striking five boundaries to stabilise the innings. Towards the end, Vikrant Prabhu produced a valuable unbeaten 38 off 25 balls to give the team a strong finish. Captain Pranav Biche also chipped in with 15 runs.
For Desserts N More Avengers, Kaushal Hattangadi, Pratham Prabhugaonkar, and Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar claimed two wickets each to restrict the opposition.
Chasing a target of 181, Desserts N More Avengers began positively. Wicketkeeper Venkatesh Verlekar played an aggressive knock of 34 off 19 balls, providing a quick start. Saish Hegde then steadied the innings with a composed 35 off 29 deliveries.
Pankaj Naik contributed 28 runs, while captain Kaushal Hattangadi added a fighting 32 off 25 balls to keep his team in contention. However, the Avengers lost wickets at regular intervals during the middle overs, which hampered their chase. They eventually finished at 161 for 9 in 20 overs, falling short by 19 runs.
For CD Fountainhead, Manish Kakode was effective with the ball, picking up two wickets for 33 runs in four overs. Gaurav Borkar also made an impact with two crucial wickets, while Anish Prabhudesai and Vikrant Prabhu claimed a wicket each to seal the victory.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by PWD Minister and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat as the chief guest. Other distinguished guests present included Tanmay Kholkar, founder and owner of Manas Developers; Dr Sagar Salgaocar, Managing Director of Geno Pharmaceuticals; Akash Khaunte, Director of Alcon, the title sponsor; Sidhit Raiturkar, President of the GSB Sports and Charitable Trust; and tournament chief Co-Ordinator Venkat Biche.
As part of its social initiatives, the Trust also extended financial support to community institutions. A cheque of ₹32,500 was presented to Aastha's Anand Niketan, while ₹60,000 was donated to Mahalasa Narayani School, Mardol.
BRIEF SCORES
CD Fountainhead 180/7 in 20 overs (Vikrant Prabhu Not Out 38, Manish Kakode 37, Aditya Prabhugaonkar 28, Atchut Naik Dalal 23, Extras 14; Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar 2/41, Kaushal Hattangadi 2/29, Pratham Prabhugaonkar 2/34, Swapnil Kakodkar 1/24) defeated Desserts N More Avengers 161/9 in 20 overs (Saish Hegde 35, Venkatesh Verlekar 34, Kaushal Hattangadi 32, Pankaj Naik 28, Extras 10; Gaurav Borkar 2/17, Manish Kakode 2/33, Vikrant Prabhu 1/13, Anish Prabhudesai 1/22)
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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Player of the Match: Manish Kakode
Hero of the Match: Vikrant Prabhu
Best Under-19 Player: Pratham Prabhugaonkar
Promising Women Player: Vidhi Bhandare
Best Batsman of the Tournament: Samar Dubhashi
Best Bowler: Aditya Angle
Best Fielder: Kaushal Hattangadi
Best Wicketkeeper: Rauji Kakodkar
Player of the Series: Vikrant Prabhu
