PANAJI
In the final of the Goa Premier Division League 2025-26, organised by the Goa Cricket Association, Dempo Cricket Club posted a commanding 412/5 in 89 overs against Chowgule Sports Club on Day 1 at the GCA Academy ground, Porvorim. The three-day pink-ball day-night final saw Dempo recover strongly after opting to bat first.
The innings began on a shaky note as Aaditya Kota and Sarthak Bhike fell early, reducing Dempo to 11/2. However, Abhinav Tej Rana (70 off 93 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes) and Aman Dhooper (124 off 166 balls, 12 fours, 5 sixes) rebuilt the innings with a crucial 139-run partnership for the third wicket.
Dhooper continued his aggressive approach even after Rana’s dismissal, ensuring steady scoring through the middle overs. He later stitched a 130-run stand with captain Snehal Kauthankar, further strengthening Dempo’s position.
Kauthankar anchored the innings superbly, remaining unbeaten on 136 off 148 balls with 18 boundaries. He guided the team past the 400-run mark alongside wicketkeeper Jeevan Chittem, who contributed an unbeaten 39. The duo added an unbroken 90-run stand for the sixth wicket to close the day strongly.
For Chowgule Sports Club, Shubham Tari and captain Darshan Misal picked up two wickets each, while Pradyumna Atpadkar claimed one. However, the bowling unit struggled to maintain pressure as Dempo’s batters dominated after the early breakthrough.
