Team Herald
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MARGAO: The Sarsangan +45 Veterans Cricket Series 2025 produced a dominant day of cricket at the Arlem cricket ground, as Mapusa Dream Crushers booked their place in the finals with a comprehensive win over Govindraj Legends, while Pai & Khot Fighters ended their campaign on a positive note with a consolation victory in the concluding encounter.
In the morning encounter, Mapusa Dream Crushers delivered a clinical all-round performance to defeat Govindraj Legends by seven wickets, thereby sealing their berth in the finals. Batting first, Govindraj Legends posted a competitive 161 for 7 in their 20 overs, with Siddhesh Bodke leading the charge with a brisk 36 off 16 balls. He was well supported by Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar (34), Rajendra Prabhudesai (29) and Balkrishna Hodarkar (18). For the Dream Crushers, Parai Dubhashi (2/16) and Samrudh Hegde Desai (2/25) were the standout bowlers, while Prasad Bhende (1/8), Vibhav Pai (1/17) and Mahesh Churi (1/31) also chipped in.
Chasing 162 for a place in the finals, the Dream Crushers paced their innings with confidence. Contributions came from Rajesh Colvalcar (24), Anant Chodnekar (30), Rupesh Kossambe (36), Siddesh Desai (36) and an unbeaten 16 from Vibhav Pai, as they cruised to 162 for 3 in 17.4 overs to register an emphatic victory. Sudin Kamat, Balkrishna Hodarkar and Balkrishna Kamat picked up a wicket each for Govindraj Legends.
At the prize distribution ceremony, Nagnath Shanbhag graced the occasion. Rupesh Kossambe was named the man-of-the-match, while Siddesh Desai (best batter), Parai Dubhashi (best bowler), Siddhesh Bodke (super striker) and Vibhav Pai (impact player) were also honoured.
In the afternoon match, Pai & Khot Fighters wrapped up their campaign with a convincing 52-run win over Salcete Stallions. Opting to bat first, the Fighters posted 170 for 7 in their 20 overs, built on steady contributions from Sandeep Thali (35), Avinash Kossambe (29), Ashutosh Pai Angle (21) and Shiraj Pai Khot (20). For the Stallions, Siddesh Pai (3/19) and Parinda Pai Kane (2/25) were the pick of the bowlers, while Ganesh Vernekar and Sarvesh Kamat claimed a wicket each.
In reply, the Stallions struggled to gain momentum and were bowled out for 118, with Sarvesh Kamat (38) being the lone bright spot. Raju Salgaonkar starred with the ball, returning figures of 3 for 22, supported ably by Ramchandra Prabhu (2/2), Shiraj Pai Khot (2/16) and Rasik Pai Khot (1/10), as the Fighters secured a bonus-point win, though they narrowly missed out on a place in the finals.
Amogh Namshiker was the guest at the prize distribution ceremony. Raju Salgaonkar was adjudged the man-of-the-match, while Sandeep Thali (best batter), Siddesh Pai (best bowler), Sarvesh Kamat (super striker) and Shiraj Pai Khot (impact player) also received awards.
The third-place play-off and the final of the Sarsangan Commonwealth Developers +45 Veterans Cricket Series 2025 will be played on December 27, at the Arlem cricket ground.
