PANAJI
Tridents CC and Pinaki Panthers emerged winners in their respective league encounters of the Friendship Shield 2025 T20 cricket tournament
In the day's opening match, Tridents CC delivered a commanding performance against Young Stars of Moula, securing an 8-wicket victory. Young Stars of Moula, batting first, posted a total of 137/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Yash Gadekar (37) and Anand Adhikari (25) were the primary contributors to the innings.
However, Tridents CC's bowling attack proved formidable, with Sujay Fadte leading the charge, claiming 4 wickets for just 18 runs. Siddhant Kunde also contributed significantly, taking 2 wickets for 25 runs.
Chasing a modest target, Tridents CC's batsmen exhibited composure and dominance. Darshan Karekar played a stellar innings, scoring 61 runs, while Bansil Pandya provided excellent support with 39 runs. Tridents CC reached the target of 138/2 in just 16 overs. Yash Manjekar managed to pick up 2 wickets for 25 runs for Young Stars of Moula.
Sujay Fadte's outstanding bowling performance earned him the Shin Player of the Match award, presented by Sanjay Naik. Darshan Karekar received the Cafe 108 Game Changer of the Match award for his match winning innings.
The second match of the day proved to be a thrilling encounter, with Pinaki Panthers narrowly defeating Knight Archers by 2 runs. Batting first, Pinaki Panthers posted a formidable total of 195/7 in their 20 overs, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Vaibhav Velip (64) and Deval Karmali (52).
Knight Archers' Aryan Bhagat (3/21) and Krishnakant Hegde (2/29) provided resistance with the ball.
In response, Knight Archers fought valiantly but fell just short, scoring 193/9. Pravin Gawas played a brilliant innings of 72 runs, and Vrushabh Kuncolienkar contributed 27 runs. Pinaki Panthers' Uddhav Naik (3/24) and Lavesh Velip (2/43) were instrumental in restricting Knight Archers' chase.
Vaibhav Velip's crucial half-century earned him the Shin Player of the Match award, presented by Sarvesh Prabhugaonkar. Uddhav Naik received the Cafe 108 Game Changer of the Match award for his bowling performance.
Following the completion of their first league matches, Tridents CC, Madgaon Royal Warriors, Rangers, Vetal Maharudra Cricketers, Curtorim Warriors, Rising Stars of Antruz, and Pinaki Panthers are currently tied at the top of the points table, each with 2 points. The tournament promises further exciting encounters as teams vie for supremacy.
