Team Herald
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PANJIM: Goa emerged champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories at the All India Inter Zonal (Junior) Tennis Ball Cricket Championship organised by the Himachal Pradesh Tennis Ball Cricket Association in collaboration with the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India, at the Government Degree College ground, Nagrota Bagwan, Himachal Pradesh.
In the boys’ final, Goa beat Delhi, while in the girls’ final, Goa defeated Maharashtra.
In the boys’ final, Delhi, who batted first, were dismissed for 28 in 5.4 overs. Shaunak Naik was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 5, while Chinmay Kerekar (1 for 8), Sanam Kalangutkar (1 for 10), and Shaurya Gaude (2 for 5) also contributed key breakthroughs.
Goa chased down the target comfortably, scoring 33 without loss in just 2.2 overs. Saiesh Naik starred with an unbeaten 24 and was named Man of the Match in the final.
Earlier, in the semi-final between Goa and Maharashtra, Goa, batting first, posted 33 for 6 in 6 overs, with Shaurya Gaude and Chinmay Kerekar contributing 12 runs each, and Vedhant Pagi remaining unbeaten on 7.
In response, Maharashtra were bowled out for 22 in 5.5 overs. Goa’s bowling was spearheaded by Chinmay Kerekar (2 for 8), Sanam Kalangutkar (1 for 7), Shaunak Naik (2 for 1), and Shaurya Gaude (2 for 5), sealing an 11-run victory for Goa.
In the girls’ final, Maharashtra, batting first, were bundled out for 24 in 5.1 overs. Sandhya Rai produced a match-winning spell of 3 for 5, supported by Pratiksha Kerkar (2 for 6), Purva Gaude (1 for 8), and Antara Naik (1 for 0).
Goa chased the target with ease, reaching 25 for 1 in just 2 overs, winning by 7 wickets. Sandhya Rai was named woman-of-the-match in the final.