Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Shamrao Tridents and K.K. Strikers registered impressive victories in the ongoing GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust, at the MCC Ground in Margao on Sunday.
In the morning fixture, K.K. Strikers posted a formidable 205 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs against Dempo Challengers. Opener Viraj Puranik set the tone with a blistering 55 off just 24 deliveries, striking nine boundaries and a six. Rauji Kakodkar provided the late surge with an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls, smashing five sixes and two fours to propel the total beyond 200. Ramnath Prabhu Bam added a steady 37 to strengthen the innings. For Dempo, Shridhar Keni stood out with figures of 3 for 29.
Chasing 206, Dempo Challengers were bowled out for 173 in 19.1 overs. Captain Samar Dubhashi led from the front with a brisk 55 off 30 balls, while Vibhav Pai and Tunish Sawkar chipped in with 34 and 32 respectively. However, the lack of substantial support from the rest of the batting line up proved costly. Rasik Pai Khot delivered a decisive spell for K.K. Strikers, claiming 4 for 22 in four overs to seal a 32 run win.
The second match witnessed a tighter contest, with Shamrao Tridents defending 150 for 9 against Rising Stars of Ponda. Deval Karmali scored 53 off 34 balls and shared a rapid opening partnership with Abhijit Bhandare, who made 20 off 12. Siddhant Kunde’s unbeaten 37 ensured the Tridents reached a competitive total. Tanmay Sukhthankar and Shaunit Sawardekar picked up three wickets each for Ponda.
In reply, Rising Stars were restricted to 135 in 19.3 overs despite fighting knocks from Ved Mahambre, who made 50 off 37 balls, and captain Prasheel Kamat, who scored 34. Kritin Bhangui starred with the ball for the Tridents, finishing with figures of 3 for 18 to guide his side to a 15 run victory.
