Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Oxford Cricket Club Goa registered a thrilling 22 run victory over AIM Cricket Academy Sawantwadi A in the final league match of the Late Rajan Bhai Angane Under-16 Memorial Cup cricket tournament organized by AIM Cricket Academy Sawantwadi. The closely fought encounter at the Boarding Ground kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final overs.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Oxford Cricket Club started cautiously before accelerating through the middle phase of the innings. Yashraj Kalaskar contributed 32 runs while Rehan Hubali added 21 to provide a steady foundation. The momentum picked up when Barhaan Dash scored a quick 68 off 46 balls and Yug Yadav followed with an impressive 69 from 50 deliveries.
The highlight of the innings came from Farhan Shaikh, who played a spectacular knock of 101 runs off just 60 balls. His innings included seven fours and seven sixes, powering Oxford to a formidable total of 319 for 7 in their allotted 45 overs.
Chasing a challenging target of 320, AIM Cricket Academy Sawantwadi A began positively. Sahil Metri scored 29 runs while Sumedh Parab anchored the innings with a brilliant 105 off 99 balls. Valuable contributions from Ganesh Gawade with 32 runs and Fudail Aga with 46 kept the chase alive, while Sanchit Gawade added a quick 19 runs in the middle order.
Despite the strong fightback, Oxford’s bowlers delivered at crucial moments during the final stages of the match. Arnav Naik led the bowling attack with an excellent spell of 4 wickets for 51 runs in 8.5 overs. Harsh Nain supported with two wickets, while Mubarak Tadapatri, Abhisek Lamani and Farhan Shaikh chipped in with one wicket each.
AIM Cricket Academy Sawantwadi A were eventually bowled out for 297 in 42.5 overs, handing Oxford Cricket Club a narrow yet memorable 22 run victory. For his outstanding century and contribution with the ball, Farhan Shaikh was named Player of the Match.
Both teams will meet again in the tournament final scheduled for April 2.
