ARLEM: Priority Titans, captained by Sudin Kamat, defeated Desserts n’More Avengers by 21 runs to clinch the Rajdeep Builders Sarsangan Super Series Cricket 2024-25 title at Arlem Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Electing to bat first in the 7th edition of Sarsangan Super Series final, Priority Titans lost skipper Sudin Kamat (8), who struck two good shots for boundaries, in the very 1st over of Sankalp Bhat. The Titans’ innings gained impetus from a 44-run partnership for the 2nd wicket between Deval Karmali (39, 22 balls, 5x4s, 2x6s) and Sahish Mahambrey (19, 13 balls, 2x6s). But, it was Samar Dubhashi’s knock that hurt the Avengers bowlers the most, as he smashed a quickfire 40 in just 17 balls with 5 fours and 1 six; and along with Granthik Buyao (19, 17 balls, 1x4s) stitched a 40-run partnership taking the Titans to 123-2 at the half-way stage.
However, after the drinks break, the Avengers came right back into the match picking 4 wickets for just 21 runs with Aditya Dalal picking 2 wickets and taking a brilliant catch to get rid of the dangerous Animesh Prabhugaonkar. Rauji Kakodkar’s tragic mix-up cost him his wicket as the Titans slid to 144-6 in the 15th over.
The southpaw, Sunil Salgaonkar, then took control with a flurry of strokes all around the ground as he remained unbeaten on 33 off 18 balls (2 x 4s, 2 x 6s) and with Akshay Dalvi (13 not out) stitched very important 47 runs stand in 33 balls helping the Priority Titans to post a formidable 191-6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Aditya Dalal with 2-20 was the pick of the bowlers and received support from Samrudh Hegde Desai, Sagar Salgaocar and Sankalp Bhat who picked a wicket apiece.
In reply Desserts n’ More Avengers got off to a rollicking start as the two openers Sachin Bhandare (38, 20 balls, 7x4s, 1x6s) and Sanat Prabhudesai (37, 17 balls, 7x 4s) tore into the Titans attack putting on 74 runs in under 6 overs. Just as it looked like the Avengers would coast quite comfortably, Animesh Prabhugaonkar dealt them a body blow castling Aditya Dalal for 3.
Sarin Pai Kane, Vaibhav Kadkade and Pramey Prabhu all fell to the pressure of the finals giving their wickets cheaply, as the Titans bounced back into the contest.
The fortunes of both teams kept fluctuating with the Avengers skipper, Siddhesh Prabhu Alvenkar, taking charge and tearing into the Titans bowling attack making a whirlwind 33 (17 balls, 1x4s, 3x6s) and with company of Dr. Sagar Salgaocar (13) first and later with Akhil Nadkarni (13 not out) took the Avengers to 170 in the 19th over. The game, which saw momentum swinging either way in both the innings, left the Avengers to make 22 off 9 balls. Granthik Buyao, came up with a magical spell, clinching a hat-trick to shatter the dreams of the Avengers, terminating their innings at 170, to give the Priority Titans a 21-run win and the Rajdeep Builders Sarsangan Super Series Cricket Championship’s glittering trophy. Granthik Buyao with 3-33 was well assisted by Animesh Prabhugaonkar, Sunil Salgaonkar, Samar Dubhashi, Rauji Kakodkar and Smitesh Divekar who all chipped in with a wicket each at crucial junctures.
MLA of Margao, Digambar Kamat was the chief guest and gave away the prizes along with Goa ex-Ranji Trophy Goa cricketer Robin D’Souza and Vedant Naik.
The following individual prizes were awarded: Granthik Buyao and Sunil Salgaonkar were jointly awarded Drogaria Colvalcar Man-of-the-Finals award, Samar Dubhashi received Priority Constructions Best Batter and Aditya Dalal was awarded Wakao Best Bowler.
Aditya Prabhugaonkar was adjudged Player of the Series while Damodar Pai Patnekar received Best Batter award and Animesh Prabhugaonkar Best Bowler. Laxmikant Kurade was adjudged the Best Wicketkeeper, Pranav Kamat Best Fielder while Saish Hegde received Emerging Player award.
Chairman of Saraswat Sports Sangh Adv. Satish Pilgaonkar welcomed, Gomakant Mahambrey compered the presentation ceremony while Sanjiv Prabhu proposed the vote of thanks.
