PANAJI
Lawyer Challengers produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Legal Titans by 45 runs and clinch the Advocates Cricket League 2025–26 title in the grand final played at the GCA Academy Ground, Porvorim, on Saturday.
With solid batting, disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, Lawyer Challengers outplayed their opponents to lift the coveted trophy.
After winning the toss, Lawyer Challengers opted to bat first and posted an imposing total of 184 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings, however, did not begin on a smooth note as Dattaprasad Shirodkar (11) and Rushab Sawaikar (6) were dismissed early, leaving the team struggling at 32 for 2. At this crucial juncture, Swapnil Kambli (23) and skipper Achit Shigwan steadied the innings and rebuilt the momentum, taking the score to 63.
Captain Achit Shigwan then took charge with an aggressive yet responsible knock, reaching his half-century in just 27 balls, which included seven boundaries and two sixes. He found excellent support in Vrusaj Talaulikar, and the duo added a vital 49-run partnership that laid the foundation for a big total.
Talaulikar matched the skipper shot for shot and remained unbeaten on 53, scoring five fours and two sixes off 34 deliveries. Shailesh Redkar once again proved his utility with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 27 off 19 balls to propel Lawyer Challengers to a formidable total.
For Legal Titans, Jeevan Divkar was the most successful bowler, picking up two wickets for 28 runs, while Vedank Naik claimed one wicket, conceding 41 runs.
Chasing a challenging target of 185, Legal Titans were expected to get off to a strong start, but their hopes were dashed early. Satyam Ghogale (4) and Satchit Mauskar were dismissed cheaply by Parag Veluskar and Iftikhar Agha, respectively, pushing the Titans onto the back foot.
Captain Pravin Gawas (30 off 24 balls) and Kyle Ticlo (34 off 19 balls) then attempted a recovery, adding valuable runs and taking the score from 19 for 2 to 81. However, the dismissal of Kyle Ticlo proved to be a turning point, as Legal Titans lost wickets at regular intervals thereafter. The mounting pressure led to a batting collapse, and the entire team was bowled out for 139 in 19.1 overs.
Iftikhar Agha sealed the emphatic victory by dismissing Vedank Naik on the very first ball of the final over, sparking celebrations in the Lawyer Challengers camp.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by High Court Judge Justice Ashwin Damodar Bhobe as the chief guest. District Judge Irshad Agha, senior advocates Saresh Lotlikar, Surendra Desai and Santosh Rivankar were also present on the occasion.
Chief Guest, Justice Ashwin Damodar Bhobe, speaking at the final prize distribution ceremony, lauded and thanked Advocate Iftikhar Agha. “It was a wonderful and fantastic tournament organised by Iftikhar Agha and his team. They put in a great deal of hard work and dedication to successfully conduct the event. The final was well contested, and all the matches were played in a true sporting spirit by my colleagues,” said Justice Bhobe.
Tournament organiser Advocate Iftikhar Agha said the 7th edition of the ACL T-20 has once again highlighted the growing enthusiasm for cricket among the legal fraternity.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Emerging Player of the Tournament: Nikhil Ganpule
Best Batsman: Achit Shigwan
Best Bowler: Dattaprasad Shirodkar
Player of the Tournament: Achit Shigwan
Man of the Match for the final: Shailesh Redkar
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BRIEF SCORES
Lawyer Challengers: 184/4 in 20 overs (Vrusaj Talaulikar 53*, Achit Shigwan 53, Shailesh Redkar 27*, Swapnil Kambli 23, Extras 11; Jeevan Divkar 2/28, Vedank Naik 1/41)
Legal Titans: 139 all out in 19.1 overs (Kyle Ticlo 34, Pravin Gawas 30, Sachin Ramnathkar 19, Mithun Govekar 10, Extras 13; Dattaprasad Shirodkar 3/17, Shailesh Redkar 3/29, Iftikhar Agha 2/24, Parag Veluskar 1/30, Adil 1/6)
