MARGAO
VMCL Hustlers edged out the VMCL KINGS by 11 runs in a thrilling Ferdinand Coelho memorial MCC VMCL-3 encounter held at MCC, Margao.
The game, played under the lights, saw the Kings winning the toss and elected to field first. However, the decision did not quite go in their favor as the Hustlers put up a competitive total and followed it with a disciplined bowling display.
Batting first, the VMCL Hustlers posted 160/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar provided a steady start with 19 runs, while Venkatesh Nevagi impressed with a quickfire 37 off just 18 balls. Contributions came down the order, with Sachin Kenkre 19, Anoop Borkar adding 16, and Shailu chipping in 13 runs. Despite not having any standout individual innings, consistent efforts across the lineup helped the Hustlers build a defendable total.
For the Kings, Gurudatt Angle was the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets for 27 runs, supported by Vinay Sambari, Apoorv Bhembre, Hemant G Sail, and Venkatesh Raut Desai who chipped in with a wicket each.
The VMCL Kings were bowled out for 149 in 19.4 overs in response. Despite a fighting 35-run knock by Gurudatt Angle and a blistering 34 from Ashish Dukle, the Kings struggled to maintain momentum. Early wickets and a lack of partnerships plagued their chase. Venkatesh Nevagi and Raghuvir Kuncolienkar starred with the ball for the Hustlers, claiming 2 wickets each, while Santosh Lotlikar also grabbed two early breakthroughs. Sachin Kenkre sealed the match with two vital wickets in the death overs, ensuring the Kings were dismissed 11 runs short of the target. Venkatesh Nevagi was adjudged MoM for 37 runs with the bat and 2 wickets with a ball. Award was presented by Sagar Shet.
