MARGAO
The Commonwealth Fountainheads defeated Vimson Panjim Powerplay by 4 wickets on the third day of the 7th edition of the Sarsangan Super Series at Arlem Cricket Ground, while MLT Cricket Club narrowly edged past Desserts n More Avengers by 8 runs in a thrilling encounter.
In the first match, Vimson Panjim Powerplay set a target of 142/8 after being put in to bat. Openers Pranav Kamat (20 off 10 balls) and Prasad Bhende (18 off 22 balls) gave them a solid start, adding 31 for the first wicket. Contributions from Vrushabh Kuncolienkar (13), Rasik Pai Khot (22), and Raunak Nargundkar (15) kept the scoreboard ticking. However, the highlight was a blistering 40 off 22 balls from skipper Arsh Sardesai, which helped the Powerplay post a competitive total.
For the debuting Commonwealth Fountainheads, Gaurav Borkar was the standout bowler, taking 2-10 in 3 overs. Captain Yash Prabhugaonkar claimed 2-27, while Amey Rajadhyax, Saish Hegde, Pratap Prabhugaonkar, and Raghuvir Gharse picked up a wicket each.
In reply, the Fountainheads lost early wickets, with Visvesh Caro (10) and Gaurish Shenvi Lotlikar (12) falling early to leave them at 34-2 in the 5th over. However, a crucial 52-run partnership between Aditya Prabhugaonkar (35 off 25 balls) and Saish Hegde (28 off 31 balls) steadied the ship. The Fountainheads slipped to 100-4 in the 13th over, needing 42 runs from 39 balls. But Kedar Kamat's unbeaten 14 guided them to victory, reaching 142/6 in 19.3 overs with 3 balls to spare. Arsh Sardesai (2-28) and Pranav Kamat (2-29) were the pick of the bowlers for Vimson Panjim.
The individual awards were as follows: Saish Hegde (Drogaria Colvalcar Man-of-the-Match), Arsh Sardesai (Priority Constructions Best Batter), and Gaurav Borkar (Wakao Best Bowler).
In the second match, MLT Cricket Club posted a formidable 195/4 in their 20 overs. Openers Sachin Sardesai (35 off 24 balls) and Siddesh Sinai Amonkar (33 off 27 balls) put on 76 runs for the first wicket. Atchut Naik Dalal added 20, but the innings was propelled by the explosive batting of Manish Kakode (35 off 23 balls) and Anish Kakode (35 off 15 balls), who launched a late assault to push MLT to a daunting total. Nimay Kamat claimed 2-32 for the Avengers.
In reply, the Avengers got off to a poor start, losing both openers early to Siddesh Bodke (3-18), leaving them at 6-2 in the second over. Pramey Prabhu (16) and Sarin Kane (34 off 22 balls) revived the innings, but the Avengers needed 105 runs in 55 balls after Sarin’s dismissal at 91-5. Akhil Nadkarni (21) and Vaibhav Kadkade (31 off 19 balls) gave a spirited fight, with Kadkade’s 26-run assault off a Manish Kakode over shifting momentum.
Siddesh Prabhu Alvenkar (31 off 19 balls) also fought hard, but a tragic runout ended the Avengers' hopes as they finished on 187/9, just 8 runs short of victory. Siddesh Bodke’s brilliant bowling performance earned him the Wakao Best Bowler award, while Manish Pai Kakode was named Drogaria Colvalcar Man-of-the-Match and Anish Kakode took home the Priority Constructions Best Batter award.
