Deepraj Gaonkar 88(74)
PANAJI
All three matches in the opening round of the Goa Premier Division League, organised by the Goa Cricket Association, ended in draws. However, Geno Sports Club, Panjim Gymkhana, and Salgaocar Cricket Club earned crucial points based on their first-innings leads.
At the NAPEX ground, the match between Panjim Gymkhana and Margao Cricket Club turned into a closely contested encounter. After Panjim Gymkhana declared their second innings at 214 for 6 in a bold move, Margao CC responded with 225 for 9. With Margao needing just 15 runs for victory and Panjim Gymkhana requiring only one wicket, the match ended as the allotted overs were completed.
Resuming from 82 for 2, Panjim Gymkhana declared their second innings in pursuit of victory. Dishank Misquin remained unbeaten on 70, while Ishan Gadekar scored 51. For Margao CC, Anuj Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. Chasing a target of 274, MCC's hopes were kept alive by Aryan Narvekar (61) and Deepraj Gaonkar (88). Shadab Khan was the most successful bowler for Margao CC with three wickets.
At the Bandodkar Ground in Campal, Panjim, the match between Geno Sports Club and Chowgule Sports Club also ended in a draw. Geno, resuming their second innings at 124 for 3, were bowled out for 225. Kaushal Hattangadi (38) failed to add to his overnight score, while Vikas Singh contributed 47 runs in the middle order. Chowgule captain Darshan Misal delivered an outstanding bowling performance, claiming 7 wickets for 67 runs.
In response, Chowgule reached 199 for 7 in 63 overs. Madhur Yadav continued his fine form in the second innings with 69 runs, while captain Darshan Misal added 44. For Geno, Manish Kakode, and Vikas Singh took three wickets each.
At the GCA ground in Cotarli-Sanguem, Dempo Cricket Club were forced to follow-on against Salgaocar Cricket Club. Despite posting a massive total, Salgaocar were unable to secure a win. Dempo were bowled out for 196 in their first innings, with Yash Kasvankar taking 6 wickets for 48 runs for Salgaocar. In their second innings, Dempo reached 152 for 3, with Aaditya Kota remaining unbeaten on 67 and Abhinav Tejrana contributing 45.
At the end of the first round, Salgaocar CC, Panjim Gymkhana, and Geno SC have secured three points each. Chowgule SC, Margao CC, and Dempo CC have one point each.
