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PANJIM: Desserts N’More Geno Sports Club scripted a thrilling 5-run victory over Chowgule Global to emerged champions in the Bandodkar T20 League organised by the Panjim Gymkhana, at Panjim Gymkhana ground, Campal, here, on Thursday.
In a contest that epitomised a perfect final comprising never-say-die competitive action with fluctuating fortunes for two well-balanced teams, Desserts N'More Geno Sports Club’s total of 173/6 seemed well and truly under a huge threat with Chowgule Global racing to 80/2 by the 8th over. Then came the turning point with Samit Mishra striking a double blow as he dismissed the in-form Shivendra Bhujbal and Harvik Desai to set the cat amongst the pigeons and followed it up with the wicket of experienced Chirag Jani in the next over.
Chowgule Global kept fighting till the end, with captain Darshan Misal contributing 32 runs off 28 balls, while Tunish Sawkar hit some trademark big shots for 16-ball 25 runs as the duo kept their team in the hunt. However, after the big-hitting, Tunish was caught in the deep to end the 6th-wicket partnership of 40 runs. The Men in Orange ran out of steam and were restricted to the final score of 168/8.
Samit Mishra was named the player-of-the-match, as the hard-working pacer took 3/26 off his four overs with all three of his wickets creating the most impact on the result of the match.
Shivendra delivered another fantastic knock at the top of Chowgule Global batting order with the tall wicket-keeper batter hammering 52 runs off just 22 balls, which included five boundaries and four sixes. He was named the player-of-the-tournament and best batter.
Earlier, being put into bat, Desserts N’More Geno SC put up a gritty display as they overcame a shaky start to build the innings with the help of key knocks by Lalit Yadav (47 not out off 30 balls; 4x3, 6x2) and captain Deepraj Gaonkar (43 off 25 balls; 4x8). Ruthvik Naik played a crucial cameo down the order, remaining unbeaten on 22 runs off 13 balls. The unfinished partnership for the seventh wicket between Lalit and Ruthvik was worth 47 runs and proved mighty important against the formidable batting lineup of Chowgule.
Shubham Tari was once again, the pick of the bowlers for Chowgule with his figures of 3/25. Leading wicket-taker of the tournament, Tari was named the best bowler.
Sameer Kakodkar, director of DB Bandodkar Group and family member of Goa's first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar was the chief guest. Manoj Caculo, president of Panjim Gymkhana, and Rajesh Khaunte, secretary of Panjim Gymkhana, also graced the prize distribution ceremony.
The winners of the Bandodkar T20 League Desserts N’More Geno Sports Club were presented a trophy and cash award of Rs 75,000, while the runners-up Chowgule Global had to be content with Rs 40,000 and a trophy.
Brief scores: Desserts N'More Geno SC 173/6 (Lalit Yadav 47 not out, Deepraj Gaonkar 43, Ruthvik Naik 22 not out; Shubham Tari 3/25, Darshan Misal 1/33). Chowgule Global 168/8 (Shivendra Bhujbal 52, Darshan Misal 32, Tunish Sawkar 25; Samit Aryan Mishra 3/26, Ruthvik Naik 3/41).