Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The semi-finals of the Goa Premier Division One-Day League 2025–26 delivered intense cricketing action, with Geno Sports Club and Salgaocar Cricket Club advancing to the final after two gripping encounters.
At the GCA Academy Ground in Porvorim, the clash between Margao Cricket Club and Geno Sports Club turned into a dramatic contest that went down to a Super Over. Margao posted a competitive total of 257 in 39.5 overs, built on a solid middle-order effort. Captain Rajshekhar Harikant contributed a steady 56, while Deepraj Gaonkar led the charge with an aggressive 80 off 57 deliveries. Late cameos pushed the score past the 250 mark. Geno’s bowling attack was led by Samarth Rane and Mehank Dharwadkar, who claimed four wickets each.
In response, Geno began strongly with Veer Yadav’s explosive 50 off just 22 balls. Despite regular setbacks, Kaushal Hattangadi held the innings together with a composed unbeaten 86, guiding the team to match the target in 38.2 overs and force a tie. Margao’s bowlers shared the wickets, keeping the pressure on throughout.
The Super Over saw Geno take complete control, piling up 34 runs in a stunning display of power hitting, highlighted by Vikas Singh’s remarkable assault. Margao’s reply fell short despite a brief counterattack, sealing Geno’s place in the final.
In the second semi-final at Sanguem-Kotarli, Salgaocar Cricket Club secured a 26-run win over Chowgule Sports Club. Recovering from an early setback, Salgaocar built a strong total of 250, with Piyush Yadav and Shantanu Nevagi anchoring the innings. Yogesh Kauthankar provided a late boost with an unbeaten 47.
Chowgule began their chase confidently but lost momentum as wickets fell at crucial stages. Gauresh Nagvekar’s four-wicket spell proved decisive as Salgaocar bowled out their opponents for 224.
With both teams in strong form, anticipation is high for the day-night final scheduled on May 1, promising another exciting contest for cricket fans.
