MARGAO
Mapusa Dream Crushers and Salcete Stallions recorded commanding victories, each earning a crucial bonus point to strengthen their push for the knockout stage of the Sarsangan Commonwealth Developers +45 Veterans Cricket Series 2025 at the Arlem Cricket Ground.
In a thrilling opening contest, Mapusa Dream Crushers chased down a stiff target to defeat Pai & Khot Fighters by six wickets with just one ball remaining, collecting a vital bonus point in the process. Batting first, Pai & Khot Fighters posted an imposing 178/2 in 20 overs. Their innings was anchored by fluent contributions from Ashutosh Pai Angle (28), Sandeep Thali (35), Shiraj Pai Khot (25) and skipper Avinash Kossambe (37). Only Samruddh Hegde Desai managed to break through with a wicket for the Dream Crushers.
The chase began aggressively, with consistent scoring from Anant Chodnekar (17), Siddesh Desai (35), Mahesh Kudchadkar (35) and skipper Vibhav Pai (37). A crucial cameo by Samruddh Hegde Desai (22) helped maintain momentum. However, a brilliant spell from Shiraj Pai Khot, who triggered a collapse with three quick wickets, momentarily halted their march. Despite the hiccup, Mapusa Dream Crushers held their nerve, reaching 179/4 in 19.5 overs. Sachin Neurekar claimed a wicket for the Fighters.
Shiraj Pai Khot was adjudged Man of the Match, while Vibhav Pai, Sachin Neurekar, Avinash Kossambe and Samruddh Hegde Desai claimed the Best Batter,Best Bowler, Impact Player respectively.
Salcete Stallions continued their impressive form with a resounding 6-wicket win over Govindraj Legends, sealing victory with 5.5 overs left and securing a valuable bonus point. Batting first, Govindraj Legends recovered from an early setback at 62/3 to post a competitive 157/5 in 20 overs. Solid knocks came from Sudin Kamat (35), Siddesh Bodke (30) and captain Rajendra Prabhudesai (35). The Stallions’ bowling was led by Sarvesh Kamat and Pratap Prabhugaonkar, who picked up two wickets each, while Jaiprakash Kunde picked one.
In response, the Stallions produced a dominant batting display, racing to 161/4 in just 14.1 overs. Key contributions came from Ganesh alias Bhushan Vernekar (35), Vishwesh Kamat (24) and an unbeaten knock from Yatin Kaisare (31). Among the Legends’ bowlers, Balkrishna Hodarkar claimed two wickets, while Sudin Karmali and Balkrishna Kamat took one each.
Pratap Prabhugaonkar was named Man of the Match, while Rajendra Prabhudesai, Balkrishna Hodarkar, Ganesh alias Bhushan Vernekar and Yatin Kaisare received awards for Best Batter, Best Bowler, Impact Player respectively.
