PANAJI
Priority Titans registered a stunning four-wicket victory over RC Goa to lift the PGML 4.0 trophy in an exhibition of an entertaining brand of Twenty20 cricket in a carnival atmosphere at Panjim Gymkhana ground on Sunday.
Priority Titans chased down a difficult target of 188 with four balls to spare. They were awarded a cash prize of Rs 3 Lakh.
While there wasn't much difference in the quality of the teams on display with fine margins deciding the outcome in a fiercely contested title clash, RC Goa emerged second-best on the day having posted a big total of 187/6 after winning the toss and pursed Rs 2 Lakh in prize money.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, India cricketer Jaydev Unadkat, Panjim Gymkhana president Manoj Caculo, secretary Rajesh Khaunte and ex-president of Goa Cricket Association Chetan Desai graced the prize distribution ceremony.
The final with all the pressure that comes with it, seemed to have brought the best out of the teams with the track also proving to be a batting paradise.
Priority Titans captain and Man-of-the Match Mukhtar Kadri (35 runs & 1/20 off 4 overs) was once again the stellar performer as he provided the thrust with his positive intent in the middle order with the bat and bowling flat out to stifle the opponents a bit, earlier in the match. Ojas (38) and Sachin Sardesai (35) provided the perfect start to the run-chase with a strokeful stand of 65 runs in 6.3 overs. Kiran Shirwaikar (36 off 19 balls) also played a crucial role as the 52-run partnership for the 5th wicket with Kadri, consolidated the Titans' charge to glory.
RC Goa were outplayed in defence as they tried everything to which the Titans responded befittingly. Earlier in their first strike, the Men in Orange looked in supreme touch as Samar Dubhashi (40), captain Dhilan Shah (39), Nityay Kunkolienkar (36) showed their class to power RC Goa to the highest total of the season.
During the innings break, the talented young players of Panjim Gymkhana Cricket Academy were felicitated for securing their place in the Goa state team. Not limiting the infrastructure to cricket, Panjim Gymkhana has been transforming into multiple sports hub year on year. 'Manas Sports Arena' was inaugurated on the occasion. The new facility is dedicated to the world’s fastest-growing sport of pickleball.
Individual prizes: Man of the Final: Mukhtar Kadri (Priority Titans), Best Bowler: Ramnath Gaonkar (RC Goa), Best Batsman: Vedant Naik (Priority Titans), Man of the Tournament: Ramnath Gaonkar (RC Goa), Best Fielder: Manish Kakode (Prescon Panthers).
SCORES: RC Goa 187/6 (Samar Dubhashi 40, Dhilan Shah 39, Nityay Kunkolienkar 36; Mukhtar Kadri 1/20), Priority Titans 188/6 in 19.2 overs (Ojas 38, Kiran Shirwaikar 36, Mukhtar Kadri 35, Sachin Sardesai 35; Dattesh Priolkar 1/22). Priority Titans won by 4 wickets.
