Team Herald
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
PANJIM: Dempo Challengers and Prescon Panthers both secured vital victories in their respective matches, on Sunday, at Panjim Gymkhana, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the ongoing PGML 4.0.
In the day’s first match, Prescon Panthers triumphed over table-toppers Priority Titans by 7 wickets, securing a vital win to stay in contention for the knockout phase. Despite a strong start from the Titans, who posted a modest 112/8 after electing to bat, the Panthers chased down the target with ease. Captain Prajyot Rivonker led from the front, scoring 36 runs and taking 2/13, and was named ‘Grant Thornton’ Man-of-the-Match. Suraj Hirani (26*), and Iftikhar Agha (24*) ensured their side crossed the line with almost three overs to spare.
Priority Titans, who had previously won their first four matches, suffered their first loss of the tournament. Top-order batsmen Sachin Sardesai (27), Samir Chodankar (21), and Vedant Naik (20) got starts, but failed to build partnerships, leaving their side short of a competitive total.
In the second match, Dempo Challengers overcame Desserts N’More Avengers by 21 runs in a thrilling contest that had massive playoff implications for both teams. Dempo’s captain Tunish Sawkar played a match-winning knock of 40 runs off 24 balls, including 3 boundaries and 2 sixes. He also contributed with the ball, claiming a wicket and winning the ‘Grant Thornton’ Man-of-the-Match award. Om Fadte (34) and Niraj Lotlekar (33) supported well, as Dempo posted a competitive 168/7.
In response, Avengers’ openers Sairaj Dhond (28) and Saandip Dahaad (24) provided a strong start, but Dempo clawed back with disciplined fielding and tight bowling, dismissing key players Saif Ali Karajgi and Rajshekhar Harikant cheaply. Despite a valiant effort, Avengers were bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs, handing Dempo their second win in four outings.
