Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Desserts N More Avengers secured a thrilling nine run victory over K.K. Strikers in a league match of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 cricket tournament at the MCC Ground in Margao. A disciplined all round performance with both bat and ball helped the Avengers hold their nerve and close out the contest.
Batting first, Desserts N More Avengers put up an impressive total of 188 for 7 in their 20 overs. Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar anchored the innings with an unbeaten 45, providing stability and acceleration in the latter stages. Venkatesh Verlekar played a lively knock of 34 off 22 balls, while captain Kaushal Hattangadi chipped in with a quick 24 off 15 deliveries to strengthen the total.
The bowling effort for K.K. Strikers was shared evenly as Ramnath Prabhu Bam, Nikit Naik Dalal, Aditya Dalal, Vidhi Bhandare, and Rasik Pai Khot picked up a wicket each to keep the scoring under control.
Chasing a target of 189, K.K. Strikers mounted a determined response. Viraj Puranik led the charge with an aggressive 50 off 30 balls, while Ramnath Prabhu Bam added 25 from just 14 deliveries. Aditya Dalal also contributed a steady 28 to keep the chase within reach.
Despite the resistance, the Avengers bowlers held their composure during the crucial final overs. Tight bowling and consistent pressure limited the Strikers to 179 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, allowing Desserts N More Avengers to clinch a narrow but important victory.
For the Avengers, Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar, Vipul Deshprabhu, Swapnil Kakodkar, and Vikram Gaitonde each claimed a wicket.
With the league stage now complete, CD Fountainhead and Dempo Challengers topped the standings with eight points each and qualified directly for the semifinals. Desserts N More Avengers and K.K. Strikers also progressed to the knockout stage after finishing with six points each and advancing on superior net run rate.
The semifinals are scheduled for March 14, where K.K. Strikers will face CD Fountainhead in the morning, followed by Dempo Challengers taking on Desserts N More Avengers in the afternoon.
Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar was named Player of the Match, while Venkatesh Verlekar received the Hero of the Match honour.
