MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Manas Mavericks, reigning champions of the PGML, asserted their dominance by defeating the MCC Legends, winners of the MCL, by a staggering 97 runs in the Ramakant Verlekar Champions Trophy cricket final organised by Sunita Verlekar Foundation at Goa Cricket Association Academy ground, recently.
Batting first, the Manas Mavericks unleashed an onslaught on the MCC Legends bowlers, amassing a formidable total of 239 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Ilyas Naroo led from the front, along with three other batsmen, all scoring 35+ runs. Abhijit Bhandare’s aggressive 50 off 27 balls set the tone for the Mavericks’ innings.
Mehank Dharwadkar’s all-round brilliance earned him the man-of-the-match award for his quick-fire 36 off just 12 balls and a remarkable three wickets. Apoorva Bhembre was the pick of the bowlers for MCC, claiming two crucial wickets.
In response, the MCC Legends faltered in their chase, struggling to cope with the Maverick’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite a valiant effort from Kapil Sinai Borker, who top-scored with 33 runs off 13 balls, the Legends could only manage 142/8 in their 20 overs.
The victory in the Ramakant Verlekar Champions Trophy adds to the Manas Mavericks’ illustrious season, as they clinch the double by triumphing in both the PGML and RKV Champions Trophy.
The dignitaries present for the prize distribution function were Chirag Naik, a committee member of the MCC; Tanmay Kholkar, owner of the Manas Mavericks; Dr Sagar Salgaoncar, owner of the MCC Legends; chief guest Sanjay Raiturkar; Pranav Biche, Director Ramakant Verlekar Trophy; Gautam Verlekar, Trustee Sunita Verlekar Foundation; Kishore Kodolikar, Trustee Sunita Verlekar Foundation and Kapil Sinai Borker, Director Ramakant Verlekar Trophy.
Brief score: Manas Mavericks: 239/3 in 20 overs (Abhijit Bhandare 50, Mehank Dharwadkar 36, Robin D'Souza 35, Ilyas Naroo 35, Ajinkya Kudtarkar Not Out 32, Apoorva Bhembre 2/27, Kapil Sinai Borker 1/41). MCC Legends: 142/8 in 20 overs (Kapil Sinai Borker 33, Govind Desai Not Out 33, Jude Cardozo 23, Vinay Sambhari 12, Mehank Dharwadkar 3/23, Robin D'Souza 1/4, Ilyas Naroo 1/16, Ajinkya Kudtarkar 1/17, Vikram Chodankar 1/30).
