Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa University Inter Collegiate Cricket Championship for Men 2025–26 began on March 5 with two exciting matches played at the Goa University Cricket Ground.
In the opening match of the tournament, Narayan Zantye College of Commerce secured a convincing 88 run victory over Goa Dental College and Hospital. After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Narayan Zantye College posted an impressive 191 for 9 in 17 overs. Ismail Zidane played a brilliant knock of 88 runs from just 42 balls, providing the backbone of the innings. Vishal Kavlekar contributed 26 runs from 21 balls. For Goa Dental College, Daksh Mestri was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 for 18, while Utkarsh N claimed 3 wickets for 49 runs.
In reply, Goa Dental College struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 103 runs in 13 overs. Utkarsh N top scored with 23 runs while Mayuresh Sutar added 22. Ismail Zidane delivered an excellent bowling performance as well, taking 4 wickets for 25 runs and earning the Player of the Match award.
The second match of the day saw Government College of Arts Science and Commerce Quepem register a commanding 107 run win over Cuncolim Educational Society’s College of Arts and Commerce. Batting first after winning the toss, Government College Quepem scored a formidable 237 for 4 in 20 overs. Darpan Pagi led the charge with a superb century, scoring 100 runs from 55 balls. Chandradeep Naik supported him with a steady 47 from 44 deliveries. Abhishek Dessai took two wickets for 33 runs.
Chasing the large target, Cuncolim Educational Society’s College were bowled out for 130 in 19.3 overs. Yuniket Dessai scored 30 while Vignesh Dessai added 17 runs. Arjun Jomali delivered a match winning bowling spell of 5 wickets for 31 runs and was also named the Best Bowler of the match. Darpan Pagi received the Player of the Match award for his century.
The championship continues on March 6 with two scheduled fixtures. Rosary College of Commerce and Arts will face PES College of Pharmacy at 9 am, followed by a match between PES Ravi Naik College of Arts and Science and Goa College of Music at 1.30 pm.
