PORVORIM: The Queen Cup Women’s T20 tournament, organized by the Goa Cricket Association at the Napex Ground, got underway on Tuesday. GCA Green and GCA Yellow teams began their campaign on a strong note by registering victories in their respective matches.
In the first match, GCA Green defeated GCA Blue by a commanding margin of 61 runs. Batting first, Green posted 136 for 5 in 20 overs. Kripa Patel (27), Purvaja Verlekar (26), and Divya Naik (22*) made valuable contributions. In reply, GCA Blue were bowled out for just 75 runs in 14.3 overs. The Green bowlers maintained tight control and never allowed the opposition to settle. Pooja Kalel, Pooja Yadav, and Kamakshi Dharwadkar picked up two wickets each to play a key role in the victory.
Meanwhile, in the second match, GCA Yellow secured a thrilling five-wicket win over GCA Red. Batting first, Red scored 128 for 3 in 20 overs, with Siddhi Gaikwad smashing 55 runs and Zoya Mir contributing 24. In chase, Yellow had a steady start, but skipper Vinavi Gurav (44*), along with Diksha (28), guided the team to victory with 129 for 5 in 19.3 overs. Nirmiti Khanvilkar delivered an impressive bowling spell, taking three wickets, but her efforts went in vain.
The opening ceremony was graced by Secretary Tulsidas Shetye, Vice President Paresh Phadte, along with Prashant Phatarpekar, Vijay Kholamkar, and Match Referee Anupa Narvenkar, who were present for the occasion. The tournament will continue over the coming days, with the final scheduled to be held on 12th May at Sanguem.
Brief Scorecard:
GCA Green – 136/5 in 20 overs (Kripa Patel 27, Divya Naik 22*, Khushi Bandekar 18, Extras 25; Pooja Yadav 2/10, Arya Duble 2/26, Athashree Shivarakar 1/27)
def. GCA Blue – 75 all out in 14.3 overs (Purvaja Verlekar 26, Extras 24; Pooja Kalel 2/15, Kamakshi Dharwadkar 2/8, Sudeepti Naik 2/11, Purva Bhaidkar 1/6, Kripa Patel 1/13, Harshada Kadam 1/10)
GCA Red – 128/3 in 20 overs (Tanisha Gaikwad 55*, Zoya Mir 24*, Shreya Parab 19, Nikhila Naik 18, Extras 10; Aradhana Saroj 2/14, Tejaswini Durgad 1/30)
lost to GCA Yellow – 129/5 in 19.3 overs (Vinavi Gurav 44*, Diksha Amonkar 28, Sejal Satardekar 17*, Extras 23; Nirmiti Khanvilkar 3/12, Nidhi Govekar 1/21, Bharti Sawant 1/20).
