
Team Herald
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ARLEM: Ultracon Madgaon Royals sealed their place in the final of the Sarsangan Priority Veterans Cricket Series 2025 with a hard-fought victory over Mapusa Dream Crushers at the Arlem Cricket ground, while Antruz Aviators kept their qualification hopes alive with a convincing win against Delite Titans in the day’s other fixture.
In the first match, Antruz Aviators, electing to bat first, posted a formidable total of 194 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to well-balanced contributions from Sudin Kamat (36), Sarvesh Kamat (35), Sachin Kenkre (35), Sandeep Phaldesai (23), Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar (16), and Prasad Bhende (28). The Delite Titans bowlers failed to take a single wicket throughout the innings.
Delite Titans began their chase poorly, slumping to 3 for 2, but skipper Shiraj Pai Khot (36) and Sachin Neurekar (13) managed to steady the innings briefly, taking the score to 38 in six overs. However, the middle order collapsed as four batsmen were stumped by keeper Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar in quick succession, all attempting big shots—including the dangerous Siddhesh Bodke, who was dismissed on the very first ball he faced. Only Paresh Prabhudesai (30) and Vishnu Namshikar (16) managed to reach double figures thereafter.
The Titans were bowled out for 140, handing Antruz Aviators a convincing 34-run victory. The Aviators’ bowling unit shared the spoils, with Sarvesh Kamat, Jaiprakash Kunde, Santosh Kuncolienkar, Prashant Amonkar, Rasik Pai Khot, Sudin Kamat, and Gomakant Mahambrey all claiming a wicket each.
Individual awards: Man-of-the-match: Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar; Best batter: Shiraj Pai Khot; Best bowler: Sudin Kamat
In the second match of the day, Mapusa Dream Crushers chose to bat first, putting up 157 for 8 in their 20 overs. Their innings featured key contributions from Mahesh Kudchadkar (17), Amith Kamat (16), Balkrishna Hodarkar (35), Vibhav Pai (15), Avinash Kossambe (29), and Laxmikant Kurade (13).
Among the Royals’ bowlers, Yatin Kaisare stood out with figures of 2 for 20, while Pratap Prabhugaonkar, Deep Bhende, Mahesh Churi, Samrudh Hegde Desai, and Dr Sarvesh Kamat each chipped in with a wicket.
In response, Ultracon Madgaon Royals chased down the target with three balls to spare, finishing on 159 for 6 in 19.3 overs to seal a four-wicket win. The run chase was anchored by Deep Bhende (15), Rajendra Prabhudesai (30), Yatin Kaisare (29), Rakesh Mallya (20), Dr Sarvesh Kamat (33 not out), and Samrudh Hegde Desai (16).
Dr Sagar Salgaocar was the pick of the Dream Crushers’ bowlers, returning figures of 2 for 16, while Balkrishna Hodarkar and Laxmikant Kurade claimed one wicket apiece.
Individual awards: Man of the match: Yatin Kaisare; Best batter: Balkrishna Hodarkar; Best bowler: Dr Sagar Salgaocar
With this win, Ultracon Madgaon Royals are on 12 points. Meanwhile, Antruz Aviators (10 points) and Mapusa Dream Crushers (9 points) remain in contention for the second final berth.