In an electrifying encounter at the MCC ground in Margao on Thursday, MCC Stallions clinched their first victory of the season with a 5-wicket win over MCC Tigers. The match, played under floodlights as part of the 10th season of the Members Cricket League T20, saw the Stallions successfully chase down a target of 160 in 19.1 overs, powered by an all-round performance from Nikhil Virginkar.
After winning the toss, the Stallions opted to bowl first. MCC Tigers managed to post a competitive total of 159/8 in 20 overs despite losing their first two wickets early. Amit Kakode (28) and Smit Dalvi (15) steadied the innings with a 31-run partnership. Captain Vedant Naik anchored the innings with a well-crafted 36 off 26 balls, including 4 boundaries, while Vikram Gaitonde (15) contributed to a 33-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Lower down the order, Siddharth Ghaneker played a fiery cameo, smashing an unbeaten 18 off just 7 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six.
In the bowling department, Raunak Nargundkar led the Stallions with figures of 2/7, while Nikhil Virginkar claimed 2/30. Captain Govind Gaokar and Siddhant Amonkar picked up a wicket each, keeping the Tigers’ scoring in check during crucial phases.
Chasing 160, the Stallions got off to a flying start with an opening partnership of 64 runs in just 7.3 overs between Viraj Tar (35 off 25 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) and Chaitanya Kamat (33 off 28 balls, 3 fours). Nikhil Virginkar then built on the momentum, scoring a match-winning 39 off 27 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six. Kapil Sinai Borker chipped in with a quick 22 off 16 balls, while Dr. Akhil Lawande remained unbeaten on 13 to see the Stallions home.
For the Tigers, captain Vedant Naik impressed with figures of 2/24, while Vinod Solanki claimed 1 wicket.
Nikhil Virginkar was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance with both bat and ball.
This victory marked the Stallions’ first win of the season after losing to MCC Masters in their opening match. Meanwhile, the Tigers faced their second consecutive defeat, having previously lost to MCC Warriors in their first game.