Team Goemkarponn
Margao: In the second match of season 3 of the Ferdinand Coelho Memorial Veteran Members Cricket League (VMCL), held at the MCC Ground in Margao, the VMCL Blasters edged past the VMCL Kings by a narrow margin of 7 runs in a nail-biting contest on Wednesday under floodlights.
After winning the toss, the VMCL Blasters opted to bat first. Opener Balkrishna Hodarkar provided a steady start with a knock of 36 runs off 30 balls, including four boundaries. Captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Uday Naik anchored the innings with an impressive 38 runs off 28 deliveries, smashing six boundaries. Viraj Amonkar also chipped in with an unbeaten 16 runs. The Blasters managed to post a competitive total of 144 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. For the Kings, Apurva Bhembre and Yogesh Naik were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets each, while Vipul Kalekar claimed one wicket.
Chasing a target of 145, the VMCL Kings got off to a fiery start with Apoorv Bhembre blasting 35 runs off just 15 balls, including three fours and three sixes. Fellow opener Rohit Mishra played a more measured innings of 31 runs from 36 deliveries. The duo put up a 41-run opening partnership. However, a sudden collapse in the middle order derailed their chase. Contributions from Ashish Dukle (15), Venkatesh Raut Desai (12), and Ambe Parvatkar (11) were not enough to take the team over the line, as they were bowled out for 137 in 18.5 overs.
Uday Naik, who shone with both bat and ball, took 2 wickets for 20 runs. Vinod Solanki and Viraj Amonkar also picked up 2 wickets each for 20 runs. Balkrishna Hodarkar bagged 2 wickets for 25 runs, and Shriram took one wicket.
Uday Naik was awarded the Player of the Match for his all-round performance —scoring 38 runs and taking 2 crucial wickets.
Brief Scoreboard:
VMCL Blasters: 144/9 in 20 overs (Uday Naik 38, Balkrishna Hodarkar 36, Viraj Amonkar 16*, Apoorv Bhembre 2/17, Yogesh Naik 2/33, Vipul Kalekar 1/26) Won VS VMCL Kings: 137 all out in 18.5 overs (Apoorv Bhembre 35, Rohit Mishra 31, Ashish Dukle 15, Vinod Solanki 2/20, Uday Naik 2/20, Viraj Amonkar 2/20, Balkrishna Hodarkar 2/25, Shriram1/11)
