PANAJI
Salcete Stallions beat Madgaon Royals by 77 runs in the second qualifier to enter the finals of EMR Sarsangan Super Series men's T20 cricket tournament at MCC, Margao.
Electing to bat first, Salcete Stallions lost Sahish Mahambrey and Vardhan Misquin cheaply but recovered through Durgesh Prabhugaonkar (52*, 24 balls, 6x4s, 3x6s), who hit his fourth half-century of the tournament. The Stallions were also helped by some good batting by Sanat Prabhudesai (37, 32 balls, 3x4s, 2x6s) and could post 179/7 thanks to useful contributions by Sandeep Dalal (15), Saeesh Prabhudesai (19), Amit Kamat (16) and Sarvesh Prabhugaonkar (11).
For Madgaon Royals, Shaunit Sawardekar picked 2-26 and was well-supported by Mihir Audi (1-15), Rohan Audi (1-22), Aditya Dalal (1-31) and Vikram Gaitonde 1-42.
In reply, Madgaon Royals lost their captain Damodar Pai Patnekar to a vicious inswinger from Durgesh Prabhugaonkar in the first over but recovered thanks to a 39-run partnership for the 2nd wicket between Mahendra Audi (19) and Aditya Dalal (52*, 34 balls, 6x4s, 1x6s).
Though Mihir Audi (18, 12 balls, 2x4s) tried his best, none of the Royals could reach double figures, losing wickets in a heap to be dismissed for 102 in 14.2 overs, giving the Stallions a 77-runs win and a place in the finals.
For the Stallions, Vardhan Misquin was the pick of the bowlers, scalping 5 wickets for 7 with his off spin. Sudesh Prabhudesai (2-11) and Durgesh Prabhugaonkar (1-29) were the other successful bowlers.
Salcete Stallions will face Mapusa Dream Crushers in the finals on Saturday evening at MCC, Margao.
