MARGAO
The Sarsangan Commonwealth Developers +45 Veterans Cricket Series 2025 concluded with an action-packed finale at the Arlem Cricket Ground, where Mapusa Dream Crushers emerged champions after edging Salcete Stallions by four runs in a thrilling final. Earlier in the day, Pai & Khot Fighters sealed third place with a convincing eight-wicket win over Govindraj Legends.
Batting first in the grand final, Mapusa Dream Crushers, owned by Rajesh Colvalcar, posted a competitive 177 for 9 in 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Anant Chodnekar (31), Samrudh Hegde Desai (30), Mahesh Kudchadkar (23) and Vibhav Pai (21). For Salcete Stallions, Rakesh Mallya (2-23) and Gomakant Mahambrey (2-24) led the bowling effort, while Jaiprakash Kunde and Sarvesh Kamat picked up a wicket each.
In response, the Stallions, owned by Jaiprakash Kunde and Sandesh Kamat Bambolkar, made a strong start through Vishwesh Kamat (29), Sarvesh Kamat (29) and Sandeep Dalal (32). Ganesh Pai Vernekar’s aggressive 36 kept them in the hunt, but his dismissal at 158 triggered a late collapse as the Stallions were restricted to 173 for 8. Dream Crushers sealed a memorable four-run victory with disciplined bowling from Viraj Padiyar (2-20), Mahesh Churi (2-21), Samrudh Hegde Desai (2-23), Siddesh Desai (1-16) and Parai Dubhashi (1-23).
Samrudh Hegde Desai was named Man of the Match. Other awards went to Ganesh Pai Vernekar (Best Batter), Viraj Padiyar (Best Bowler), Vishwesh Kamat (Super Striker) and Mahesh Churi (Impact Player). Deep Bhende and Anoop Mopkar graced the prize distribution ceremony.
At the series level, Shiraj Pai Khot was adjudged Commonwealth Developers Player of the +45 Veterans Series. Sandeep Thali (Best Batter), Rasik Pai Khot (Best Bowler), Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar (Best Wicketkeeper), Ganesh Pai Vernekar (Best Fielder) and Sudin Kamat (Best Catch) also received major honours.
In the third-place playoff, Pai & Khot Fighters delivered a commanding performance to beat Govindraj Legends by eight wickets. Legends scored 160 for 7, with Balkrishna Hodarkar (26), Siddhesh Bodke (25) and Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar (20) contributing. For the Fighters, Amith Kamat and Rasik Pai Khot took two wickets each.
Chasing 161, the Fighters were powered by Sandeep Thali (35), Shiraj Pai Khot (35) and an unbeaten 38 off 20 balls from captain Avinash Kossambe, reaching 163 for 2 in just 15.2 overs. Avinash Kossambe was named Man of the Match, while Sandeep Thali (Best Batter), Amith Kamat (Best Bowler), Shiraj Pai Khot (Super Striker) and Rasik Pai Khot (Impact Player) also picked up awards.
