PANAJI
The Goa junior boys team emerged runners-up at the 28th Junior National Tennis Ball Cricket Championship held at Agra from October 27-30. Goa lost to hosts Uttar Pradesh in the finals played on Thursday at St John Milton Public School in the northern city.
In the final, Goa fell short by five runs after UP posted 43 in the allotted 6 overs. Punit Khandeparkar claimed 2 wickets, while Vijay Halgekar and Saiesh Gawde grabbed a wicket each for Goa. In their reply, Goa were restricted to 38 for 5. Vijay Halgekar scored 6 and Kutbuddin Jamadar 7 for Goa in the losing cause. Saiesh Gawde of Goa was adjudged Best Batsman of the championship. Goa had reached the final after getting past Mumbai in the quarterfinals before overcoming Bihar in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, the Goa girls team lost in the quarterfinals against Maharashtra after a thrilling Super Over finish. The match was tied after both teams scored 53 in the allotted 6 overs. The Goa girls agonisingly fell short by a run in the Super Over.
