MARGAO
The Mapusa Dream Crushers – Delite Titans match ended in dramatic tie while Antruz Aviators beat Ultracon Madgaon Royals on the 1st day of the Sarsangan Priority Veterans Cricket Series 2025 at Arlem Cricket Ground.
Delite Titans, batting first, posted a formidable 175-3 in 20 overs. After an early wicket, Sandip Thali (35), Sachin Neurekar (19), and Shiraj Pai Khot (20) stabilized the innings. Explosive contributions from Siddhesh Bodke (35 off 13) and Paresh Prabhudesai (38 off 13) propelled their score. Balkrishna Hodarkar (2-14) and Sanjiv Sukhtankar (1-16) were the key bowlers for Dream Crushers.
Mapusa Dream Crushers responded strongly, reaching 67-2 in 10 overs, with Nilesh Prabhudesai (38), Balkrishna Hodarkar (21), and Rupesh Kossambe (28) contributing. Amith Kamat (35) and Laxmikant Kurade (27*) kept the momentum. Requiring 22 off the final over, they scored 20 off the first five balls. Needing one run off the last ball, a single was taken, and the decision was sent to the third umpire to check if the batsman crossed the popping crease. The match ended in a dramatic tie, with Dream Crushers also scoring 175-3. Sandip Thali (2-23) was the lone successful bowler for Delite Titans.
Individual awards: Sandip Thali (Man of the Match), Paresh Prabhudesai (Best Batter), Sanjiv Sukhtankar (Best Bowler).
In the second match, Antruz Aviators, making their series debut, set a strong 170-2. Prasad Bhende (20), Sarvesh Kamat (35), Sachin Kenkre (35), Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar (37), Rasik Pai Khot (21*), and Sandeep Phaldesai (13) contributed. Yatin Kaisare (1-14) was the sole successful bowler for Royals.
Ultracon Madgaon Royals struggled in their chase, losing early wickets. Rajendra Prabhudesai (26) and Rakesh Mallya (35) attempted a recovery, but Aviators' spinners, Prasad Bhende and Gomakant Mahambrey (2 wickets each), applied pressure. Royals finished at 156-8, giving Aviators a 14-run victory.
Individual awards: Prasad Bhende (Man of the Match), Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar (Best Batter), Gomakant Mahambrey (Best Bowler).
Earlier, the series was inaugurated by Architect Bhaskar Khandeparkar, with dignitaries including Kapil Nayak, Shivsharma Hegde, Adv. Satish Pilgaonkar, and others present.
