Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Geno Sports Club successfully defended their crown with a thrilling three wicket victory over Salgaocar Cricket Club in a high scoring final of the Bandodkar League T20 Tournament held at Panjim Gymkhana on Monday.
In a blockbuster clash between two unbeaten teams, Geno chased down a massive target of 218 runs in dramatic fashion, thanks largely to a sensational innings from young opener Veer Yadav. The explosive batter smashed 89 runs off just 41 deliveries, striking six sixes and eight boundaries to keep his side firmly in contention throughout the chase.
Veer shared a crucial 83 run partnership in only 40 balls with Kaushal Hattangadi, who contributed a quickfire 33 off 19 balls with two boundaries and two sixes. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Geno maintained the required run rate in a tense finale.
The match went down to the closing moments before Nihal Surlakar sealed victory in style. With four runs needed from the final two deliveries, Nihal launched a straight six to spark celebrations among teammates and supporters. He remained unbeaten on 33 from just 15 balls, striking three sixes and a boundary in a match winning cameo.
Another vital contribution came from the seventh wicket partnership between Nihal and Samar Dubhashi, who scored 24 runs from 23 balls. The pair added 43 runs in 28 deliveries to steady the chase during a pressure situation.
Earlier, Salgaocar Cricket Club posted a formidable 217 for 6 after being put in to bat. Shantanu Nevagi led the scoring with 68 off 43 balls, while Piyush Yadav hammered 57 from 34 deliveries. Ayush Verlekar provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 48 off only 15 balls. For Geno, Vikas Singh and Pundalik Naik picked up two wickets each.
At the prize distribution ceremony, Geno Sports Club received ₹75,000 along with the winner’s trophy, while Salgaocar Cricket Club earned ₹40,000 as runners up.
Veer Yadav was named Player of the Final, Shantanu Nevagi received the Best Batsman award, Pundalik Naik was adjudged Best Bowler, and Yogesh Kauthankar was declared Player of the Tournament.
