MARGAO
Ultracon Madgaon Royals lifted the Sarsangan Priority Veterans Cricket Series 2025 trophy after defeating Antruz Aviators in the final played on Day 10 at Arlem Cricket Ground.
Opting to bat first, the Royals suffered an early collapse, losing four wickets for just 47 runs in 7 overs. Deep Bhende (27) showed some resistance before a 40-run partnership between Sandeep Dalal (24) and 63-year-old Yatin Kaisare (31*), gave the innings some stability. Despite their efforts, disciplined bowling by the Aviators restricted the Royals to 138/9 in 20 overs. Sarvesh Kamat, Rasik Pai Khot, Sudin Kamat, and Yogesh Naik took two wickets each, while Prasad Bhende claimed one.
Chasing 139, the Aviators adopted a cautious approach and struggled to score freely. They managed just 47 runs in the first 10 overs, losing three wickets, with Sudin Kamat scoring 32. A 45-run partnership between Anup Borkar (27) and Rasik Pai Khot (35) revived their hopes, but the Royals tightened their grip in the death overs. Mahesh Churi and Sandeep Dalal picked two wickets each, while Pratap Prabhugaonkar and Samrudh Hegde Desai chipped in with one apiece. The Aviators were restricted to 124/6, falling short by 14 runs.
Individual awards were presented as follows: Man of the Match: Sandeep Dalal (Drogaria Colvalcar); Best Batter: Rasik Pai Khot (Priority Constructions); Best Bowler: Mahesh Churi (Wakao)
The prize distribution was graced by Chirag Datta Naik, Santosh Kamat, and Vithaldas Bhat.
Player of the Series: Rakesh Mallya (230 runs, 8 wickets); Best Batter (Overall): Avinash Kossambe (260 runs); Best Bowler (Overall): Rasik Pai Khot (10 wickets); Best Wicketkeeper: Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar (15 dismissals); Best Fielder: Sandeep Dalal (6 dismissals); Special Mention: Yatin Kaisare (141 runs, 9 wickets at age 63)
Mapusa Dream Crushers secured the third place by beating Delite Titans. Batting first, Delite Titans scored 137/6, with contributions from Ashutosh Pai Angle (26), Siddesh Desai (35), and Shiraj Pai Khot (35). For Dream Crushers, Bhushan Pai Vernekar took three wickets.
In reply, Dream Crushers chased the target in 14.3 overs, finishing at 139/4, thanks to Vibhav Pai (37) and Avinash Kossambe (35). Siddesh Bodke was the pick of the bowlers for Titans with two wickets.
Additional Awards: Man of the Match: Bhushan Pai Vernekar; Best Batter: Vibhav Pai Best Bowler: Siddesh Bodke
