Team Herald
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PANJIM: Priority Titans registered a stunning four-wicket victory over RC Goa to clinch the PGML 4.0 Trophy in an exhibition of entertaining brand of T20 cricket in a carnival atmosphere at the Panjim Gymkhana ground, Campal, here, on Sunday.
Priority Titans, who chased a mammoth target of 188 with 4 balls to spare, were awarded a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh. While there wasn't much difference in the quality of the teams on display with fine margins deciding the outcome in a fiercely contested title clash, RC Goa emerged second-best on the day having posted a big total of 187/6 after winning the toss and pursed Rs 2 lakh in prize-money.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, India cricketer Jaydev Unadkat, Panjim Gymkhana President Manoj Caculo, Secretary Rajesh Khaunte and former president of Goa Cricket Association Chetan Desai graced the prize distribution ceremony.
The final with all the pressure that comes with it, seemed to have brought the best out of the teams with the track also proving to be a batting paradise.
Priority Titans Captain and ‘Grant Thornton’ Man-of-the Match Mukhtar Kadri (35 runs & 1/20 off 4 overs) was once again the stellar performer as he provided the thrust with his positive intent in the middle order with the bat and bowling flat out to stifle the opponents a bit, earlier in the match. Ojas (38) and Sachin Sardesai (35) provided the perfect start to the run-chase with a stroke-full stand of 65 runs in 6.3 overs. Kiran Shirwaikar (36 off 19 balls) also played a crucial role as the 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Kadri, consolidated the Titans’ charge to glory.
RC Goa were outplayed in defence as they tried everything to which the Titans responded befittingly. Earlier in their first strike, the Men in Orange looked in supreme touch as Samar Dubhashi (40), Captain Dhilan Shah (39), Nityay Kunkolienkar (36) showed their class to power RC Goa to the highest total of the season.
During the innings break, the talented young players of Panjim Gymkhana Cricket Academy, were felicitated for securing place in the Goa state team. Not limiting the infrastructure to Cricket, Panjim Gymkhana has been transforming into multiple sports hub year on year. ‘Manas Sports Arena’ was inaugurated on the occasion. The new facility is dedicated to the world’s fastest growing sport of Pickleball.
Brief scores: RC Goa 187/6 (Samar Dubhashi 40, Dhilan Shah 39, Nityay Kunkolienkar 36; Mukhtar Kadri 1/20), Priority Titans 188/6 in 19.2 overs (Ojas 38, Kiran Shirwaikar 36, Mukhtar Kadri 35, Sachin Sardesai 35; Dattesh Priolkar 1/22). Priority Titans won by 4 wickets.