MARGAO
In a thrilling encounter at the MCC Ground in Margao on Thursday, MCC Stallions clinched their first win of the season, defeating MCC Tigers by 5 wickets. The match, part of the 10th season of the Members Cricket League T20, saw the Stallions chase down a target of 160 in 19.1 overs, propelled by an all-round performance from Nikhil Virginkar.
After winning the toss, Stallions chose to bowl first. The Tigers posted a competitive total of 159/8 in 20 overs, despite losing their first two wickets early on. Amit Kakode (28) and Smit Dalvi (15) steadied the innings with a 31-run partnership, while captain Vedant Naik anchored the middle order with a well-made 36 off 26 balls, including four boundaries. Vikram Gaitonde (15) contributed a vital 33-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Lower down, Siddharth Ghaneker smashed an explosive unbeaten 18 off 7 balls, with 3 fours and 1 six.
Raunak Nargundkar led the bowling attack for the Stallions, claiming 2/7, while Nikhil Virginkar took 2/30. Captain Govind Gaokar and Siddhant Amonkar each took a wicket, helping to restrict the Tigers' scoring at crucial moments.
In their chase of 160, the Stallions got off to a strong start with an opening partnership of 64 runs in just 7.3 overs between Viraj Tar (35 off 25 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) and Chaitanya Kamat (33 off 28 balls, 3 fours). Nikhil Virginkar continued the momentum, contributing a match-winning 39 off 27 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six. Kapil Sinai Borker added a quick-fire 22 off 16 balls, while Dr. Akhil Lawande remained unbeaten on 13 to guide the Stallions to victory.
For the Tigers, captain Vedant Naik impressed with figures of 2/24, and Vinod Solanki claimed 1 wicket.
Nikhil Virginkar was named Player of the Match for his standout all-round performance with both bat and ball.
