MARGAO
In an electrifying T20 encounter under lights on Tuesday, MCC Masters triumphed over MCC Tigers by 31 runs in the 10th season of the MCC Members Cricket League. The win propelled Masters to the top of the table with 10 points, edging out Dragons on net run rate despite both teams having identical points.
Opting to bowl first, Tigers seemed in control when Masters were struggling at 82 for 6 in 12 overs. However, a blistering knock by Angad Painginkar turned the game around. Coming in at number nine, Angad smashed an unbeaten 40 off just 13 balls, featuring five towering sixes and a boundary, steering Masters to a competitive total of 168 in 19.5 overs. He was ably supported by Prasad Ghode, who scored 34 off 30 balls, while opener Anup Kudchadkar chipped in with 25 runs.
For Tigers, Shaunit Sawardekar shone with figures of 3 for 39, while Rajaram Kundaikar took 2 for 21. Nikit Naik Dalal, Vikram Gaitonde, and Vedant Naik picked up a wicket each.
Chasing 169, Tigers faltered early, losing three wickets for just 48 runs. Captain Vedant Naik (32) and Smit Dalvi (23) added a steady 45-run partnership, but their dismissals left the Tigers reeling. Nikit Naik Dalal contributed a fighting 31, but the rest of the batting order crumbled, managing only 137 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Masters’ bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Vikrant Prabhu and Apoorva Bhembre taking two wickets each for 15 runs, and Prasad Ghode claiming 2 for 16. Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar and Balkrishna Hodarkar also chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Prasad Ghode was adjudged Player of the Match for his stellar all-round performance with both bat and ball.
This victory reinforces MCC Masters’ position as strong contenders for the league title as the tournament progresses.
