PANAJI
The Goa boys and girls cricket teams emerged winners in the 1st All India Inter Zonal U-14 Tennis Ball Cricket Championship, organised by Sanguem Quepem Patrakar Sangh & Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Association in collaboration with Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India, at Curchorem.
The boys' team emerged victorious against Pondicherry by a margin of 32 runs. Electing to bat first, Goa managed a competitive total of 73 runs on the board despite losing 3 wickets within their allotted 6 overs. Sankalp Naik (23*) and Paras Gaonkar (19) were the top scorers for the Goa innings.
In reply, Pondicherry's batting lineup faltered under pressure, mustering only 40 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 6 overs. The Goa bowlers were clinical in their execution, with Pundalik Bhamarekar (13/2), Avnish Naik (4/1), and Paras Gaonkar (4/1) sharing the spoils.
The girls' team secured a thrilling victory against Pondicherry in the final. Opting to bat first, Pondicherry set a decent target of 43 runs for the loss of just 1 wicket in their 6 overs. Shreesh Chodankar was the lone wicket-taker for Goa, conceding only 12 runs.
In a tense chase, Goa chased down the target with 4.9 overs to spare, finishing at 45 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Tanaya Gaude (10) and Latisha Pangude (12) laid a solid foundation for the chase. Shreesh Chodankar, who impressed with the ball, also contributed with the bat, scoring 10 runs. Ayushi Shrivastav ensured Goa crossed the finish line by remaining unbeaten on 8 runs.
MLA of Curchorem Nilesh Cabral, was the chief guest gave away the prizes in the presence of Pradeep Naik (Chairperson CMC), Pradeep Kakodkar (Chairman NEI Curchorem), Dr.Gangadhariya (Vice-president of TBCFI), Munirathnam (Executive TBCFI) and other officials.
A total of 18 state teams participated in the championship.
