Team Herald
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MARGAO: The third day of the Sarsangan Priority Veterans Cricket Series 2025 saw Antruz Aviators crush Delite Titans by 100 runs, while Ultracon Madgaon Royals edged past Mapusa Dream Crushers by 14 runs, played at Arlem cricket ground.
In the first match, batting first, Antruz Aviators set a tournament-high total of 231-4 in 20 overs. Prasad Bhende (35) and Sarvesh Kamat (35) gave a solid start with a 52-run opening stand, supported by Anoop Borkar (28), Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar (23), Yogesh Naik (33), and Jayesh Timblo (18)*. Sandip Audi, Siddesh Pai, and Vishnu Namshikar picked a wicket each.
In response, Delite Titans started strong with Sandip Thali (37) and Shiraj Pai Khot (15) putting up 52 runs. However, Gomakant Mahambrey’s spin attack (2 wickets, 1 run-out) dismantled the middle order. Titans collapsed to 131 all out, handing Aviators a 100-run win.
Individual Awards: Man of the Match: Prasad Bhende; best batter: Sandip Thali; best bowler: Sandeep Phaldesai
Antruz Aviators lead the points table with 6 points (3 wins in 3 matches), followed by Ultracon Madgaon Royals (4 points). Mapusa Dream Crushers and Delite Titans share third place with 1 point each.
In the second match, opting to bat, Ultracon Madgaon Royals posted 180-3 in 20 overs, with contributions from Vishwesh Kamat (38), Sandeep Dalal (38), Ashish Dukle (17), and Rakesh Mallya (35). Shailesh Mahajan took the only wicket.
Chasing 181, Mapusa Dream Crushers made a promising start with Rajesh Colvalcar (28) and Balkrishna Hodarkar (20). However, Deep Bhende’s crucial spell turned the tide, reducing them to 53-3 in the 8th over. Despite efforts from Dr. Sagar Salgaocar (15), Amith Kamat (22), Avinash Kossambe (34), and Laxmikant Kurade (20), they fell short by 14 runs, all out for 166.
Individual Awards: Man of the Match: Rakesh Mallya; best batter: Vishwesh Kamat; best bowler: Deep Bhende.