MARGAO
In the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 tournament organized by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust, K.K. Strikers and Madgaon Royals CC recorded impressive victories on Sunday. The Strikers defeated Rising Stars of Ponda by five wickets, while the Royals overcame Shamrao Tridents, also by five wickets. Both matches were played at the MCC Ground in Margao.
In the first match of the day, Rising Stars of Ponda posted 164 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. K.K. Strikers chased down the target dramatically, sealing victory with a boundary off the final ball to finish at 168 for 5 in 20 overs. For Ponda, Sanat Mhapne (48) and Ved Mahambre (44) were the standout performers with the bat. Ramnath Prabhu Bam, Akshay Dalvi, and Aditya Dalal picked up two wickets each for the Strikers.
During the chase, Viraj Puranik played a crucial knock of 52 runs off 32 balls, smashing seven fours and a six. Nikit Naik Dalal remained unbeaten on 41 off 28 balls, guiding his team home in a thrilling finish.
The second match of the day was reduced to 18 overs per side. Shamrao Tridents, batting first, scored 149 for 8 in 18 overs. Madgaon Royals CC successfully chased the target in 16.5 overs, reaching 150 to secure victory.
For the Tridents, Ashay Ambe top-scored with an unbeaten 32, while opener Aditya Tendulkar added 29 runs. Gaurish Prabhudesai and Anant Prabhugaonkar claimed two wickets each for the Royals.
In reply, Madgaon's top and middle-order batsmen contributed steadily. Neelay Naik Dalal scored the highest with 42 runs. Granthik Buyao struck a quick 29 off just 13 balls, while Showmik Angle remained unbeaten on 24. Ashay Ambe kept the contest competitive with figures of 2 for 9 for the Tridents.
Viraj Puranik was named the Desserts N More Player of the Match, while Nikit Naik Dalal received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award from Dr. Jaya Mahambre and Siddharth Ghanekar. In the second match, Nilay Naik Dalal was awarded the Desserts N More Player of the Match, and Granthik Buyao received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award from Dr. Paresh Kamat and Vikram Gaitonde.
Following Sunday's matches, Dempo Challengers (8 points), CD Fountainhead (6 points), K.K. Strikers (6 points), and Sinq Rangers (6 points) occupy the top four positions in the standings.
