MARGAO
Arlem Cricket Club were crowned as the champion of the 43rd Nanda Lolayekar Trophy, sponsored by Commonwealth Developers, with a commanding 66-run victory over Al Fatah in the final at Nirakar Maidan, Dapot-Mashem.
The tournament, organized by Mashem Cricket Club, witnessed a stellar team performance from Arlem, with crucial partnerships and strategic bowling changes paving their way to the prestigious title.
Arlem Cricket Club’s innings was anchored by Parth Sahani, who scored a fluent 65 runs off 70 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes. His partnerships with Atharva Kale (30) and Shubham Dessai (23) were instrumental in pushing Arlem past the 200-run mark. The innings received a late boost from Sanket Morjkar, whose blistering unbeaten 58 off 29 balls, featuring five sixes and four boundaries, helped Arlem post a formidable total of 258/9 in the allotted 35 overs.
In response, Al Fatah started well with an opening stand of 71 runs. Manthan Khutkar top-scored with a brisk half-century, supported by Aditya Dalal’s 35 runs. However, the Al Fatah innings collapsed after the fall of their openers, with the remaining wickets tumbling for just 92 additional runs. Al Fatah was eventually bowled out for 192 in 30.5 overs.
Arlem’s bowling attack was led by Mehank Dharwadkar (2/24), Shubham Dessai (2/39), Dheeraj Yadav (1/11), and Ruthvik Naik (1/36), who shared the spoils and dismantled the Al Fatah batting lineup.
The final match and the presentation ceremony were graced by Dr. Suraj Prabhudesai, a renowned surgeon and President of the Indian Medical Association, Margao, who was the chief guest. Other dignitaries included Nisha Chari (Sarpanch), Chirag Naik (Sponsor), and Prashant Naik (Chairman, Nirakar Education Society).
Individual awards:
Man of the Match: Sanket Morjkar (Arlem Cricket Club)
Best Batsman: Bhimappa Konnur (Al Fatah)
Best Bowler: Yeshwant Raikar (Al Fatah)
Man of the Tournament: Shubham Desai (Arlem Cricket Club)
