Malkarnem: In a dramatic finish, Spartan Strikers held their nerve to score a 1-wicket victory against Mapusa Dream Crushers in the nail-biting final of Wildfire Friendship Shield 2023 at SK ground, Malkarnem.
Mapusa Dream Crushers won the toss and elected to bat first. However, their batters failed to get going and Mapusa Dream Crushers were bowled out for a paltry 104 runs. The notable stand in their inning was worth 31 runs where Yogesh Kaunthankar and Yash Porob combined for the third wicket partnership. That apart, the wickets tumbled at regular intervals with Spartan Strikers bowlers Fardin Khan and Keith Pinto picking up 3 scalps each.
Chasing 105, Spartan Strikers were in total control at 102/5 with good contributions from Rijul Pathak (30) and Heramb Parab (31); when requiring just 3 runs to win, the Spartans stuttered badly as they lost four wickets in no time.
Credit to Mapusa Dream Crushers, as they did exactly what was required, which was to take wickets by exerting pressure on rival batsmen with excellent bowling and attacking field placements. The entire complexion of the match turned on its head as four wickets went down in five balls. Mapusa’s Nagesh Rege and Yogesh Kauthankar took 2 wickets each.
With Spartan Strikers needing 2 runs to win and Mapusa Dream Crushers requiring 1 wicket, Shailendra Bhujbal played the winning shot for 4 runs to send the Spartans into the celebration mode at the end of a hard-fought encounter.
Parag Raikar and Sharmad Sambari graced the presentation ceremony and gave away the trophies. Keith Pinto was adjudged the man-of-the final. Deepankar Naik compered and proposed the vote of thanks.
Following other individual prizes are awarded: Best Batsman – Omkar Bhandari (Spartan Strikers); Best Bowler – Keith Pinto (Spartan Strikers); Best Wicket-keeper: Yash Gadekar (Gizmos Gladiators); Player of the Tournament: Aditya Suryawanshi (Spartan Strikers); Promising Player of the Tournament: Aditya Dalal (Madgaon Royals).
