MARGAO
Antruz Aviators and Ultracon Madgaon Royals registered key victories on Day 8 of the Sarsangan Priority Veterans Cricket Series 2025 at Arlem Cricket Ground, keeping the race for the finals alive.
Electing to bat, Antruz Aviators posted a commanding 194/4 in 20 overs, with solid contributions from Sudin Kamat (36), Sarvesh Kamat (35), Sachin Kenkre (35), Sandeep Phaldesai (23), Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar (16) and Prasad Bhende (28). Delite Titans’ bowlers were unable to take a single wicket.
In response, Delite Titans stumbled to 3/2 before recovering slightly through Shiraj Pai Khot (36) and Sachin Neurekar (13). However, four middle-order batters were stumped attempting big shots, thanks to sharp glove work by Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar, including the dangerous Siddhesh Bodke who fell first ball. Only Paresh Prabhudesai (30) and Vishnu Namshikar (16) reached double figures, as Titans were bowled out for 140, handing Aviators a 34-run victory. Wickets were evenly shared among seven bowlers, including Sudin Kamat and Sarvesh Kamat.
Individual awards: Man of the Match: Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar; Best Batter: Shiraj Pai Khot; Best Bowler: Sudin Kamat
In the second match, Mapusa Dream Crushers chose to bat and posted 157/8. Key contributions came from Balkrishna Hodarkar (35), Avinash Kossambe (29), and Mahesh Kudchadkar (17). Yatin Kaisare impressed with 2/20, while five others chipped in with a wicket each.
In a closely fought chase, Ultracon Madgaon Royals reached 159/6 in 19.3 overs, winning by four wickets. Dr. Sarvesh Kamat (33), Rajendra Prabhudesai (30), Yatin Kaisare (29)* and Rakesh Mallya (20) ensured the Royals crossed the line with three balls to spare. Dr. Sagar Salgaocar stood out with 2/16 for the Crushers.
Individual awards: Man of the Match: Yatin Kaisare; Best Batter: Balkrishna Hodarkar; Best Bowler: Dr. Sagar Salgaocar
Ultracon Madgaon Royals (12 pts) have sealed their place in the final. The fight for the second spot is between Antruz Aviators (10 pts) and Mapusa Dream Crushers (9 pts). The final league games on April 27 will determine the second finalist, while Delite Titans await their 3rd place opponent.
