MARGAO
Desserts N More Avengers registered a thrilling 9-run victory over K.K. Strikers in a league match of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 cricket tournament organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust. The match, played at the MCC Ground in Margao, saw a fine all-round performance from the Avengers as their batsmen and bowlers combined effectively to secure the win.
Batting first, Desserts N More Avengers posted a strong total of 188 for 7 in 20 overs. Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar played a crucial knock, remaining unbeaten on 45, giving momentum to the innings in the later stages. Venktesh Verlekar contributed 34 runs off 22 balls, while captain Kaushal Hattangadi added 24 runs off 15 balls to strengthen the total.
For K.K. Strikers, Ramnath Prabhu Bam, Nikit Naik Dalal, Aditya Dalal, Vidhi Bhandare, and Rasik Pai Khot picked up one wicket each.
Chasing a target of 189 runs, K.K. Strikers put up a strong fight. Viraj Puranik struck an aggressive 50 off 30 balls, while Ramnath Prabhu Bam scored 25 off 14 balls to keep the chase alive. Aditya Dalal also chipped in with 28 runs. However, the Avengers’ bowlers maintained their composure in the closing overs and restricted the Strikers to 179 for 6 in 20 overs, sealing a narrow victory.
For the Avengers, Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar, Vipul Deshprabhu, Swapnil Kakodkar, and Vikram Gaitonde claimed one wicket each.
After the completion of the league stage, CD Fountainhead and Dempo Challengers finished in the top two positions with 8 points each, securing direct qualification for the semifinals. Desserts N More Avengers (NRR 0.491), K.K. Strikers (NRR 0.326), Priority Titans (NRR 0.030), and Sinq Rangers (NRR -0.117) all finished with six points each, but based on superior net run rate, Desserts N More Avengers and K.K. Strikers advanced to the semifinals.
The semifinals will be played on March 14, with K.K. Strikers facing CD Fountainhead in the morning session, followed by Dempo Challengers taking on Desserts N More Avengers in the afternoon session.
On the occasion, Jagannath Naik and Venkat Biche presented the Desserts N More Player of the Match award to Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar, while the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award was given to Venkatesh Verlekar.
