MARGAO
The Sarsangan Commonwealth Developers +40 Men’s Cricket Series got off to an exciting start at the Arlem Cricket Ground, as two keenly contested matches set the tone for a highly competitive tournament.
In the opening encounter, S2 Strikers, owned by Shiraj Pai Khot and Sandeep Thali, registered a convincing 7-wicket victory over Brahmaputra Bulls, owned by Laxmikant Kurade and Siddhesh Prabhu Alvenkar. Batting first, the Bulls posted a competitive 171 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, with Siddhesh Prabhu Alvenkar top-scoring with 38, while Paresh Prabhudesai (31), Laxmikant Kurade (26) and Rajendra Prabhudesai (24) provided solid support. For the Strikers, Rakesh Mallya delivered an economical spell, returning figures of 2 for 13, while Siddhesh Bodke and Shiraj Pai Khot claimed a wicket each.
In reply, the S2 Strikers made light work of the chase with openers Sandeep Thali (35) and Sarvesh Kamat (40) put on a brisk 61-run stand in just six overs. Shiraj Pai Khot (27) and Rakesh Mallya (35) then ensured there were no hiccups, as the Strikers reached 175 for 3 in 19 overs. Kauntey Shenvi (2-21) and Siddhesh Prabhu Alvenkar (1-22) were the wicket-takers for the Bulls. Rakesh Mallya was adjudged the Drogaria Colvalcar Man of the Match, while Siddhesh Prabhu Alvenkar (Best Batter), Kauntey Shenvi (Best Bowler), Sarvesh Kamat (Super Striker) and Sandeep Thali (Impact Player) received the individual awards.
In the second match of the day, Govindraj Legends, owned by Sudin Kamat, defeated Mapusa Dream Crushers, owned by Rajesh Colvalcar, by 4 wickets. Batting first, the Dream Crushers posted 178 for 9 in 20 overs, with Pankaj Naik (36), Damodar Pai Patnekar (27), Deval Karmali (25) and Gaurish Shenvi Lotlikar (24) contributing valuable runs. The Legends’ bowling attack was led by Sudin Kamat (2-17) and Nikhil Virginkar (2-27), with Dinesh Pai (1-22) and Amith Kamat (1-24) also among the wickets.
Chasing 179, the Legends raced to victory in just 15.5 overs. Adv. Sahish Mahambrey (33) and Swapneel Nachinolkar (33) anchored the chase, while Vishwesh Kamat (22) and Nikhil Virginkar (21) chipped in with handy contributions. For the Dream Crushers, Gaurish Shenvi Lotlikar picked up two wickets, while Gaurish Agni, Sagar Kamat and Aditya Singbal claimed one wicket each. Nikhil Virginkar was named the Drogaria Colvalcar Man of the Match, while Pankaj Naik (Best Batter), Sudin Kamat (Best Bowler), Deval Karmali (Super Striker) and Gaurish Shenvi Lotlikar (Impact Player) bagged the individual honours.
Earlier, the tournament was formally inaugurated by eminent businessman and social worker Chirag Datta Naik, representing Commonwealth Developers Pvt. Ltd., who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony was attended by Vinayak Nayak, Aditya Prabhugaonkar, Jaiprakash Kunde, Sandeep Thali, Shiraj Pai Khot, Nilesh Prabhudesai, Sanjiv Prabhu, Nagnath Shanbhag and Gomakant Mahambrey, marking the official launch of the prestigious Sarsangan Commonwealth Developers +40 Men’s Cricket Series.
