Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Lawyer Challengers delivered a comprehensive performance to clinch the Advocates Cricket League 2025–26 title, defeating Legal Titans by 45 runs in the grand final at the GCA Academy Ground in Porvorim on Saturday. A blend of resilient batting, disciplined bowling and alert fielding ensured a deserved championship triumph for the Challengers.
After winning the toss, Lawyer Challengers elected to bat and posted an imposing total of 184 for 4 from 20 overs. The innings began on a cautious note as early wickets left them at 32 for 2. The momentum shifted when Swapnil Kambli steadied the innings alongside skipper Achit Shigwan, guiding the team past early trouble and laying a stable foundation.
Achit Shigwan then took control with a commanding half century, reaching the milestone in just 27 deliveries. His innings featured fluent stroke play with boundaries flowing freely, setting the tone for a strong finish. He was well supported by Vrusaj Talaulikar, who matched the aggression and remained unbeaten on 53 from 34 balls. The partnership between the two proved decisive in pushing the total into a challenging range. Shailesh Redkar added further impetus at the end with an unbeaten 27, ensuring the Challengers finished strongly.
In reply, Legal Titans struggled to cope with early pressure. Their top order faltered, losing key wickets within the opening overs and slipping into a difficult position. Captain Pravin Gawas and Kyle Ticlo attempted a counterattack, rebuilding briefly and offering hope with a brisk stand. However, once Ticlo was dismissed, the chase lost direction.
Regular wickets followed as Lawyer Challengers tightened their grip with disciplined bowling and sharp field placements. The Titans were eventually bowled out for 139 in 19.1 overs, well short of the target. The final blow came in the last over, sealing an emphatic victory and sparking celebrations.
The title win capped a successful seventh edition of the tournament, which featured six teams and began in December. Individual honours reflected consistent excellence, with Achit Shigwan emerging as the standout performer of the season. The final ceremony marked a fitting conclusion to a competitive and well contested Advocates Cricket League campaign.
