Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: RC Goa booked their place in the final of the PGM L 5.0 Cricket Tournament with a hard fought four wicket victory over Baale Tigers in Qualifier 1 at the Panaji Gymkhana ground in Campal. The summit clash is scheduled for February 22.
After opting to bowl, RC Goa restricted Baale Tigers to 117 in 19.5 overs in a low scoring encounter. Samar Dubhashi top scored with 33, while Lakshay Garg made 27 and Dhiraj Fadte added 20. Ramnath Gaonkar led the bowling effort with an impressive 4 for 17, supported by disciplined spells from the rest of the attack.
In reply, RC Goa faced early setbacks and were reduced to 59 for 4 in 12 overs. Gaonkar contributed 27 with the bat, but his dismissal left the side in further trouble at 87 for 6. Gauresh Khandepakar then turned the match with a blistering unbeaten 24 off just eight deliveries, striking three sixes and a four to guide his team to 120 for 6 in 19 overs and secure victory with an over to spare.
Baale Tigers will now meet Priority Titans in Qualifier 2 after the latter emerged victorious in a dramatic Eliminator.
In the second match of the day, Priority Titans posted 199 for 5 in their 20 overs, with Adeep Miskin scoring 50 off 28 balls and Rijul Pathak adding 38. Manas Mavericks matched the total at 199 for 9, thanks to half centuries from Avishkar Mone and key contributions from Sairaj Dhond and Pranav Biche, forcing the contest into a Super Over.
The Super Over proved decisive as Manas Mavericks lost both wickets without scoring. Priority Titans sealed the win by scoring the required run off the first ball, keeping their title hopes alive in the tournament.
