Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Gauri Warriors emerged champions of the Imperial T20 League 2025, defeating Shree Mahalasa Sanskrutik Mandal in the final of the leather-ball cricket tournament organised by V Strikers Sports Club at the Shri Shantadurga Devasthan ground, Khandola.
The tournament was held from November 16 to December 21 and concluded in the presence of several dignitaries, including Goa Cricket Association president Mahesh Dessai, GCA vice-president Paresh Phadte, Betki-Khandola Sarpanch Dilip Naik, and V Strikers Club president Praviraj Haldankar. On the occasion, Dessai was felicitated for his continued support to the development of cricket in Goa, particularly at the grassroots and club level.
In the final, Gauri Warriors won the toss and chose to bat, scoring 139 for 9 in their 20 overs. Prajesh Parab top-scored with 41 off 39 balls, while Ajay Phadte (24), Vishal Vernekar (18) and Hiru Naik (16) chipped in with useful contributions. For Mahalasa, Ramanand Satarkar was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 30, supported by Gauresh Sawant, who took 2 for 17.
Chasing 140, Shree Mahalasa Sanskrutik Mandal were bowled out for 101 in 17.5 overs, despite Mohit Gaonkar’s fighting 36 off 28 balls. Gauri Warriors’ bowling was dominated by Avnish Gaonkar, who returned a match-winning spell of 6 for 8 in 3.1 overs, with Utkarsh Gaonkar providing strong support by claiming 3 for 25.
Club De Sateri and Green Strikers were the semi-finalists.
Individual awards were shared among standout performers, with Avnish Gaonkar named Player of the Final, Sanket Jotkar adjudged Player of the Tournament, Chetan Bhosle winning Best Batsman, Ramanand Satarkar claiming both Best Bowler and Best Fielder, and Tanmay Talekar named Emerging Player.
The prize distribution ceremony was conducted by Chetan Palkar. The organisers thanked the Goa Cricket Association, participating teams and supporters, and said the league would continue to focus on strengthening grassroots cricket in the state.
