PORVORIM: The Times of India emerged victorious in the Inter-Media Season Ball Cricket Tournament by defeating Prudent Media by seven wickets with 15 balls to spare in the final at the GCA Academy Ground here today. The tournament was organised by the Sports Journalists Association of Goa (SJAG) in collaboration with the Goa Cricket Association
In the 15-over-per-side final, Prudent Media won the toss and elected to bat first. They managed to post a total of 91 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Their innings suffered an early setback when key batsman Shailesh Zantye was dismissed cheaply. However, Pawan Zantye (24) and Laxman Gawandi (21) stabilised the innings of the defending champions. All-rounder Avinash Joshi had to leave the field due to an injury. For the Times of India, Flavio Lopes took 2 wickets for 13 runs, Prasad Patil claimed 2 wickets for 16 runs, while Akhil Pillai and Rajtilak Naik picked up one wicket each.
In reply, Sardar Raut (11) and Prasad Patil (32) built a solid 47-run partnership for the opening wicket, setting a strong foundation for victory. Akhil Pillai remained unbeaten on 17, while Ranjan Deka finished not out on 11. The Times of India comfortably chased the target in 12.3 overs, losing only three wickets. Prudent Media suffered a setback as their left-arm pacer Avinash Joshi’s injury weakened their bowling attack.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, GCA President Vipul Phadke, Times of India Resident Editor Rajesh Menon, Prudent Media’s Editorial Director Pramod Acharya, and SJAG President Mahesh Gaonkar. Umpires Ravi Barve and Suraj Govekar officiated the tournament, while Ramdas Salcar was the scorer.
A total of 10 teams participated in the tournament, including Bhaangarbhuin, Goan Varta, Prime Media, Gomantak, Tarun Bharat, Electronic Media, AIR-DD, Navhind Publications, Times of India, and Prudent Media.
Following individual/team Awards were awarded:
Most Disciplined Team: Gomantak
Final Match Performer: Prasad Patil (Times of India)
Best Bowler: Rajtilak Naik (Times of India)
Player of the Tournament: Prasad Patil (Times of India)
Best Wicket-keeper: Abhijit Jadhav (Prudent Media)
Best Batsman: Akhil Pillai (Times of India)
Best Fielder: Shailesh Zantye (Prudent Media)
