Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Two tightly contested encounters lit up Sunday’s action in the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 as K.K. Strikers and Madgaon Royals CC registered important victories at the MCC Ground. The matches, organised under the aegis of the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust, showcased thrilling finishes, steady batting performances, and disciplined bowling.
In the opening fixture, K.K. Strikers produced a dramatic chase to overcome Rising Stars of Ponda by five wickets. Batting first, Ponda posted a challenging 164 for eight in 20 overs. Sanat Mhapne anchored the innings with a composed 48, while Ved Mahambre added momentum with a brisk 44. Venkat Biche’s contribution further strengthened the total, though the Strikers’ bowlers kept things in check. Ramnath Prabhu Bam, Akshay Dalvi and Aditya Dalal claimed two wickets apiece, preventing the batting side from accelerating freely in the latter stages.
The chase turned into a thriller. Viraj Puranik played a defining knock, scoring 52 from 32 balls with seven boundaries and a six, setting the platform for a late push. With the pressure mounting in the final over, Nikit Naik Dalal held his nerve, remaining unbeaten on 41 off 28 deliveries. A boundary off the last ball sealed a memorable five wicket win as K.K. Strikers finished on 168 for five.
The second match, reduced to 18 overs per side, saw Madgaon Royals CC secure a composed five wicket victory over Shamrao Tridents. Tridents managed 149 for eight, built around an unbeaten 32 from Ashay Ambe and a solid opening effort by Aditya Tendulkar. The Royals’ bowling unit shared the spoils, with Gaurish Prabhudesai and Anant Prabhugaonkar picking up two wickets each.
In reply, Madgaon Royals displayed calm and clarity in their chase. Neelay Naik Dalal top scored with a fluent 42, while Granthik Buyao’s quick 29 off 13 balls shifted momentum decisively. Showmik Angle stayed unbeaten on 24 to guide the team home in 16.5 overs, despite a tight spell from Ashay Ambe, who returned figures of two for nine.
Following these results, Dempo Challengers lead the standings with eight points, while CD Fountainhead, K.K. Strikers and Sinq Rangers remain close behind on six points each, setting up an intense battle for the knockout spots.
