PANAJI
All-rounder Ramnath Gaonkar played a crucial role as RC Goa beat Priority Titans by 3 wickets and clinched the top position in the league stage at the ongoing PGML 4.0 at Panjim Gymkhana ground here on Saturday.
The Men in Orange collected 10 points from six matches, while the long-time tournament-leaders Priority Titans (8 points) suffered their second consecutive loss and were displaced to the second spot in the final standings. Both the teams will meet again in the Qualifier 1 on Sunday with the winner proceeding to the final while the loser having another chance via Qualifier 2.
The concluding match of the league stage of PGML 4.0 was well-contested despite the changes in the team lineups. Electing to bat first, Priority Titans posted 148/8 with stand-in captain and Orange Cap holder Vedant Naik being the top-scorer with 34 runs. He combined with Smit Dalvi (33) for a valuable 58-run partnership for the third wicket. Akshay Badami remained not out on 30 runs.
With another stellar bowling display, RC Goa leg-spinner Ramnath (2/21) took his tally of wickets for the tournament to 12 and the Purple Cap holder also played an impressive knock with the bat to seize the initiative for his side.
After a fabulous 60-run partnership between a consistent Nityay Kunkolienkar (38) and captain Dhilan Shah (28) for the second wicket, Ramnath (31) playing positively and reliable Samar Dubhashi (34) added 55 runs for the fourth wicket, to put RC Goa on track for their team's fifth win in six matches.
Amlon Dsouza was the most impressive bowler for Priority Titans with figures of 2/17 off his 4 overs.
Yogish Dempo was the chief guest for the presentation ceremony while Dattaraj Naik graced the Toss.
