Team Goemkarponn
Margao: The GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust at the MCC ground, Margao, got off to a grand start on Wednesday with a floodlit opening match between Priority Titans and Shamrao Tridents.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, who expressed that the tournament would play a vital role in strengthening unity, sportsmanship and sporting culture within the community.
Speaking on the occasion, Trust president Sidhit Raiturkar said the organisers were delighted to host the event. He added that the Trust plans to establish a sports academy and a community centre in the future, which would help bring the community closer together.
Margao Cricket Club president Raghuvir Kunkolienkar wished all the participating teams the very best and said he hoped the spirit of unity would grow stronger through cricket. Chirag Datta Naik, Managing Director of Commonwealth Developers, also extended his best wishes to the players and the organising committee.
Dr Sagar Salgaoncar, Managing Director of GENO Pharmaceuticals, congratulated the organising team and said he has closely witnessed the growth of GSB sports over the years. He added that it was a pleasure to be part of the event and congratulated the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust for their continued efforts.
Guest of honour Rohan Ramesh Kamat, Director of Kamat Realty, said that sports teaches camaraderie and teamwork. In every match, one team wins and another loses, but what matters is giving your best on the field, he remarked.
Akash N.N. Khaunte, Director of ALCON – Anil Counto Enterprises, said this was the third consecutive year the tournament was being organised and expressed happiness at being associated with the event. Let the community be the real winner of this tournament, he added.
In the opening match of the tournament, Priority Titans defeated Shamrao Tridents by 15 runs. After being invited to bat first, Priority Titans posted a challenging total of 169 for 7 in 20 overs. Their captain, Yash Prabhugaonkar, played a blistering knock of 50 runs off just 19 balls, which included four fours and four sixes.
For Shamrao Tridents, captain Siddharth Ghanekar and Anish Kakode picked up two wickets each, conceding 21 runs apiece.
Chasing the target, Shamrao Tridents could manage only 154 for 7 in their 20 overs. Nityay Kunkolienkar top-scored for them with a fighting 46 off 35 balls. For Priority Titans, Animesh Prabhu delivered an impressive all-round performance, scoring 32 runs and claiming three wickets, to help his team register the opening win.
The GSB Unity Cup 3.0 has not only set the tone for an exciting cricket tournament but has also reinforced the message of unity and togetherness through sport.
Brief Scorecard
Priority Titans: 169 for 7 in 20 overs
(Yash Prabhugaonkar 50, Animesh Prabhu 32, Anish Mahambre 30, Sahil Mandrekar 18, Extras 11; Siddharth Ghanekar 2/21, Anish Kakode 2/21, Abhijit Bhandare 1/25, Ashay Ambe 1/29)
Beat
Shamrao Tridents:154 for 7 in 20 overs
(Nityay Kunkolienkar 46, Abhijit Bhandare 29, Ashay Ambe 27, Extras 7; Animesh Prabhu 3/23, Durgesh Prabhu Gaonkar 2/26, Yash Prabhugaonkar 1/29, Pratap 1/30)
