MARGAO
MCC Masters triumphed over MCC Warriors by 8 wickets in a decisive ‘Qualifier 2’ match of the Members Cricket League T20 tournament, earning their place in the championship final, at the MCC ground in Margao.
MCC Masters will face MCC Dragons for the title on Sunday, December 22.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, MCC Masters showcased a dominant bowling performance, restricting MCC Warriors to a modest total of 90 runs in 18.2 overs. The Warriors faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 35 for 7. A resilient 33-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Abhishek Goyal (25) and Sudip Faldesai (19) provided some recovery. However, MCC Masters’ bowlers maintained pressure, with Amlon D’Souza leading the attack by claiming 3 wickets for 12 runs. Paul Fernandes and Vikrant Prabhu supported effectively, taking 2 wickets each for 12 and 16 runs, respectively, while Balakrishna Hodarkar contributed with 1 wicket for 12 runs.
Chasing 91 for victory, MCC Masters achieved the target comfortably in 13.5 overs. Opener Apoorva Bhembre spearheaded the innings with a solid 35 runs off 35 balls, including 1 four and 3 sixes. Fellow opener Anup Kudchadkar added 17 runs, setting a strong foundation. Balakrishna Hodarkar remained unbeaten on 14, while Paul Fernandes contributed 8 runs, steering the team to a convincing win. Raghuvir Kuncolienkar was the sole wicket-taker for MCC Warriors. For his outstanding performance, Apoorva Bhembre was named ‘Man of the Match.’
