PANAJI
The Margao Cricket Academy (MCA) continued its impressive form on its tour of Sri Lanka, securing a victory and a thrilling tie in two matches played against Golden Star Legends at the FTZ Cricket Ground in Negombo.
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, MCA restricted Golden Star Legends to 156 all out in 25 overs. Notable contributions came from Sanjeeva Batagoda (33), Isuru Fernando (19), Chamil Silva (18), Rangaprasad (17), and Chathura Tharanga (11). MCA’s bowling attack was led by Adhokshaj Manavi (4/32) and Darshan Karekar (3/11), with Vaibhav Gaonkar and Vinayak Kamat picking up a wicket each.
In response, MCA had a shaky start, reeling at 39/4 within 8.3 overs. However, a vital 80-run partnership between skipper Showmik Pai Angle (48) and Adhokshaj Manavi (38) steadied the innings. Despite the recovery, a late collapse saw MCA bowled out for 156 in 25 overs, resulting in a thrilling tie. For Golden Stars, Saliya Paladeniya stood out with the ball, taking 4/26. Showmik Pai Angle was named Man of the Match for his captain's knock.
With limited time available, the second game was reduced to 10 overs per side. MCA won the toss and chose to bat, posting a formidable 112/5. A fiery opening stand of 75 runs between Darshan Karekar (49) and Sahil Warang (36) set the tone. Derrick Vales (2*) and Deepesh Shetkar (9*) added late runs to push the score past the 100-mark. Golden Stars' Dinesh Tilakratne (2/16) and Amila Pereira (2/20) were the most effective bowlers.
In reply, Golden Star Legends could only muster 86/7 in their 10 overs. Sagar Ekoskar was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3/4. Darshan Karekar and Deepesh Shetkar picked up a wicket each. Darshan Karekar’s all-round show earned him the Man of the Match award.
