Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: CD Fountainhead pulled off an exciting three wicket victory against Rising Stars of Ponda in a league encounter of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 played at the MCC Ground in Margao on Wednesday night. The match witnessed dramatic swings before the hosts held their nerve to secure crucial points.
After winning the toss, Rising Stars of Ponda elected to bat first and managed to post 119 for nine in their 20 overs. Openers Venkat Biche and Sanat Mhapne provided a steady start with a 37 run partnership inside four overs. Contributions from Nandan Acharya helped the innings move forward, while Paarth Kossambe remained unbeaten to ensure the team crossed the 120 run mark. For CD Fountainhead, Manish Kakode delivered an outstanding spell, claiming four wickets for just 16 runs. He received good support from Aditya Prabhugaonkar and Vivek Keny, who picked up two wickets each to keep the opposition total in check.
The chase began on a difficult note for CD Fountainhead as they slipped to 36 for five inside the powerplay. With the match tilting towards Rising Stars, Kakode stepped in to rescue his side, scoring a vital half century that stabilised the innings. After his retirement, the middle order added useful runs through Pranav Biche, while Anish Prabhudesai and Vivek Shantaram Keny finished the job with calm batting in the closing stages.
CD Fountainhead reached 122 for seven in 14.5 overs to complete the chase. Despite disciplined bowling efforts from Rising Stars, particularly from Sanat Mhapne and Ved Mahambre, they could not defend the modest total.
Kakode was named Man of the Match for his all round performance, while Vivek Keny received the Hero of the Match award for his contribution with both bat and ball. The prizes were presented by chief guest Jaiprakash Kunde, bringing an end to a keenly contested encounter under lights.
