MARGAO
Saga Smashers clinched the Sarsangan U19 Boys & Girls Test Cricket Championships in dominant fashion, registering an emphatic 10-wicket victory over Shivtej Warriors in the Final played at the Arlem Cricket Ground.
Opting to bat first, Shivtej Warriors were bundled out for 152 in their first innings. Shardul Kenkre top-scored with 29, while Shriyaan Kamat (28), Ashwath Acharya (17) and Yudhaan Sambary (14) made useful contributions. For Saga Smashers, Kush Pai Raiker led the bowling attack with figures of 2 for 22, while Ishaan Bhende, Ayan Borkar, Om Keny, Pramay Prabhu, Samarth Bandiwadekar and Swapnil Nayak claimed a wicket apiece.
In reply, Saga Smashers posted a strong total of 198, taking a crucial 46-run first-innings lead. The innings was built around consistent contributions from Pramay Prabhu (35), Om Keny (35), Jairam Agni (35) and Ayan Borkar (29). Shivtej Warriors’ bowling effort saw Kamakshi Dharwadkar, Ashwath Acharya and Shriyaan Kamat pick up one wicket each.
Facing a 46-run deficit, Shivtej Warriors once again struggled in their second innings and were dismissed for 136. Yudhaan Sambary (26), Tejas Kossambe (25), Aaheesh Prabhugaonkar (19) and Arin Angle (12) offered some resistance. Swapnil Nayak was the standout bowler for Saga Smashers with three wickets, while Siyansh Mahambre, Aarav Netravalkar, Ayan Borkar, Shlok Borkar, Pramay Prabhu and Om Keny chipped in with one wicket each.
Chasing a modest target of 91 runs for victory, Saga Smashers completed the formalities at 91 for 7. Samarth Bandiwadekar top-scored with 23, followed by Arnav Prabhudesai (20) and Shivaansh Kantak (16). For Shivtej Warriors, Riyansh Dalal, Keshav Kundaikar and Shriyans Prabhu Alvenkar claimed two wickets each, while Ayaan Yatindra Naik picked up one.
For his match-winning all-round performance, Pramay Prabhu was adjudged the Drogaria Colvalcar Man of the Finals. The individual awards were won by Shriyaan Kamat (Best Batter), Riyansh Dalal (Best Bowler), Shriyans Prabhu Alvenkar (Super Striker) and Keshav Kundaikar (Impact Player).
Earlier in the tournament, Saga Smashers had also defeated Shivtej Warriors by 129 runs in the 4th Test match, with Swapnil Nayak, Pramay Prabhu, Om Keny, Samarth Bandiwadekar and Shreyash Kamat sharing the individual honours.
At the conclusion of the Championship, Lt. Col Umesh Bhatikar, the chief guest distributed the prizes in the presence of Milind Sardesai, Adv. Satish Pilgaonkar, Adv. Gaurish Agni, Siddesh Dubhashi and Aditya Prabhugaonkar.
Individual Awards
Player of the Series: Om Keny (Outstanding all-round performance)
Best Batter of the Series: Dhruv Kamat
Best Bowler of the Series: Pramay Prabhu
Super Striker of the Series: Akshit Pai
Impact Player of the Series: Kush Pai Raiker
Best Wicketkeeper of the Series: Kshitij Kamat
Emerging Player Awards: Samarth Bandiwadekar, Arjun Chimulkar, Shreyash Kamat, Swapnil Nayak
Special Mention Award: Kamakshi Dharwadkar (Lone lady participant)
