The Goan Network
MARGAO
The First Babu Naik Junior cricket tournament organised by Sportsweek CC got off to a flying start with SAG (B) and SAG (A) teams winning their respective matches against Nashik Cricket Academy and Vijay Cricket Academy on day one here at SAG grounds at Fatorda and Chicalim.
At Fatorda,winning the toss and batting first, the NCA batsmen found the damp Fatorda pitch a bit tough to handle and were all out for 108. Only Tanuj Khandekar (32 off 79 balls) and Ayush Macha (23) could handle the accurate SAG (B) bowling and were bundled out for 108 in 33 overs in the 45 over match. Off spinner Gandhar Thakur (4 for 20) was the pick of the SAG (B) bowlers and was well supported by Craig Dourado (3 for 16), Digesh Raikar (2 for 12) and Sachin Mishra (1 for 11).
Manthan Khutkar (35), Daivik Rao (16) and Sanath Nevgi (24 not out) played cautiously and overhauled the total in 27 overs.
At Chicalim, it was a repeat of the Fatorda match as VCA won the toss on a damp pitch and were all out for 145 as Vishwajit (18), Aman(20) and Vicky (22) could negotiate the pace of Heramb Parab (4 for 15) and supported by Krishna Thakur (2 for 21). Ishan Pandit, Swapnil Malwi and Pralav Kerkar took 1 wicket each.
Nagappa Konnur (69), Shreyas Gawande (41 not out) mauled the VCA attack as SAG (A) won the match easily by six wickets passing the total in 14 overs. Vaibhav was the pick of the VCA bowlers with 3 for 64. Earlier, Arun Bhat, Treasurer of SAG inaugurated the tournament in presence of Deepak Lotlikar, Stadium Manager, Raju Adpaikar, ground supervisor and Bhai Naik, President of Sportsweek CC. Nashik will play Lucknow at Fatorda and Vijay Cricket Academy will play SAG(B) at Chicalim.
