Beat Lawyer Challengers by 5 wickets in Qualifier 2
PANAJI
Risers bounced back from their Qualifier 1 loss to United Brothers, defeating Lawyer Challengers by five wickets in Qualifier 2 to set up a rematch with United Brothers in the Advocates Premier League (ACL T20) 2025 final.
The stage is now set for a blockbuster finale under the floodlights at GCA ground, Porvorim on Saturday evening.
Lawyer Challengers, determined to make a statement, opted to bat first after winning the toss. However, they lost both their openers, Devanand Korgaonkar (5) and Sachin Sardessai (13), in the fourth over with the scoreboard reading a precarious 28/2, leaving their hopes of a big total hanging in the balance.
But Mithun Govekar (48) and Vrusaj Talaulikar (57) had other plans. The duo stitched together a magnificent 102-run partnership, injecting life into Lawyer Challengers’ innings.
Just when it seemed like they would take the game away, Risers’ bowlers struck back, claiming crucial wickets.
Achit Shigwan’s explosive 17-ball 31, laced with 1 four and 4 sixes, provided a late surge, propelling Lawyer Challengers to a challenging 176/5 in 20 overs.
In reply, Risers’ openers, Dattaprasad Shirodkar (28) and Shantaram Naik (20), got off to a flying start, adding 54 runs for the first wicket. However, Lawyer Challengers’ bowlers fought back, claiming regular wickets.
Shubham Gadekar (39) and skipper Anoop Kudtarkar (39) then joined forces, conjuring a vital 62-run partnership that kept Risers in the hunt.
As the match hurtled towards a thrilling climax, Risers required 37 runs from the last five overs. Anoop’s dismissal, trapped in front of the wicket, sent jitters through the Risers’ camp. But Rohit Dessai, the hitman of Risers, was unfazed. With his unbeaten 21 off 10 balls, embellished with 2 sixes and 1 four, Risers sealed a nail-biting victory, reaching the target in 19.3 overs with five wickets in hand.
Dattaprasad Shirodkar’s all-round heroics earned him the man of the match award.
