Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Premier Division League, organised by the Goa Cricket Association, began on Saturday with the first round of fixtures, setting the stage for an intense domestic cricket season. The tournament follows a five round format, with each match scheduled to be played over three days.
At the Bandodkar Ground, Geno Sports Club were bowled out for 237 runs in their first innings. Half centuries from Manish Kakode who scored 62 and Vikas Singh who added 51 helped steady the innings, while Nihal Surlkar and Kaushal Hattangadi chipped in with 23 runs each. In response, Chowgule Sports Club reached 38 for the loss of one wicket by the end of the day, with Sanath Nevagi unbeaten on 27. For Chowgule, Shubham Desai led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Shubham Tari, Darshan Misal and Felix Alemão picked up two wickets each.
Action at the NAPEX Ground saw Panjim Gymkhana post 259 all out in their first innings. Soham Panvalkar produced the standout performance with an impressive 102 off 154 balls that included nine fours and three sixes. He received support from Deep Kasvankar who made 48 and Ishan Gadekar who scored 42. For Margao Cricket Club, off spinner Rudresh Sharma claimed four wickets for 97 runs, while Heramb Parab and Anuj Yadav bagged three wickets each. At stumps, Margao Cricket Club were 23 for 1 in their first innings.
Meanwhile at the GCA Ground, Salgaocar Cricket Club dominated proceedings against Dempo Sports Club. Salgaocar piled up a formidable 363 for 5 in 88.5 overs. Ayush Verlekar remained unbeaten on 114, while Yogesh Kauthankar struck a fine 110. Azaan Thota also contributed with a solid half century. Rahul Mehta picked up two wickets for Dempo, while Saniket Palkar, Abhinav Tejrana and Aaditya Kota claimed one wicket each.
With strong batting performances and competitive bowling displays, the opening day set an exciting tone for the rest of the league. The teams will now look to build on their positions as the matches progress into the second day.
