MARGAO
Geno Dragons emerged victorious by 4 wickets over Desserts n More Avengers in the 1st Test Match, taking a 1-0 lead in the 7th edition of the Desserts n More Sarsangan Junior Cricket Series 2024-25 at Arlem Cricket Ground.
Choosing to bat first, the Avengers posted 234-8, with solid contributions from Kaushal Churi (78*), Rajat Dalal (48), Aditya Dalal (39), and skipper Paarth Kossambe (25). For the Geno Dragons, Savnee Mhambrey was the standout bowler, taking 3-15, supported by Anurag Borker (2-21), Ved Pai (1-16), Om Keny (1-24), and Saish Hegde (1-26).
In reply, the Dragons were struggling at 71-6, with their top order unable to tackle the Avengers' bowling. However, Sanat Prabhudesai turned the game around with a scintillating century, making an unbeaten 155 off 77 balls, including 16 fours and 9 sixes. His knock led the Dragons to 251-8, a 17-run lead in the first innings. Aaheesh Prabhugaonkar (2-6), Kaushal Churi (2-28), Kunal Kuncolienkar (1-27), Rajat Dalal (1-35), and Aditya Dalal (1-38) were the Avengers’ top bowlers.
The Avengers fought back with a spirited performance in their second innings. Aditya Dalal blasted an unbeaten 53 (24 balls, 4x4s, 3x6s), supported by Paarth Kossambe (36) and Kaushal Churi (32), taking the score to 157-5, setting the Dragons a target of 141 to win. Savnee Mhambrey again shone with the ball, taking 2-4, while Om Keny claimed 2-8.
Chasing 141, the Dragons found themselves in a tough spot at 89-5, with only Atchut Naik Dalal (37) providing significant resistance. However, a crucial 44-run partnership off 29 balls between Sanat Prabhudesai (25) and Sahil Neurenkar (27*) steered the Dragons to victory, reaching 141-6 with 4 wickets to spare. Aaheesh Prabhugaonkar (2-5), Ayan Borkar (2-23), and Kaushal Churi (1-32) were the standout bowlers for the Avengers.
Awards: Man of the Match: Sanat Prabhudesai Best Batter: Kaushal Churi Best Bowler: Savnee Mhambrey
The match was inaugurated by Kapil Kamat (owner of Tyre Xpress & Unique Cars) and BCCI umpire Nitin Roghuvir Pai. The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Aditya Prabhugaonkar, Dilip Panandikar, Siddharth Borker, and Mahesh Churi.
The remaining matches of the series will be played on 24, 26, 27, 30 & 31 December 2024 at Arlem Ground.
