The Members Cricket League T-20, organized by the Margao Cricket Club, witnessed thrilling action on Sunday as MCC Stallions and MCC Tigers emerged victorious at the MCC Ground in Margao. Both teams claimed convincing six-wicket wins over their opponents, MCC Royals and MCC Knights, respectively.
In the day’s opening match, MCC Stallions comfortably defeated MCC Royals with 31 balls to spare. Opting to bowl first, the Stallions restricted the Royals to a modest 113/8 in 20 overs. Samrudh Bharne (30 off 27 balls, including 3 fours and a six) and Chirag Naik (28* off 26 balls, with 3 fours) were the Royals’ top contributors. The Stallions’ bowling unit was led by Rohit Salgaonkar, who delivered an exceptional performance, taking 4 wickets for just 16 runs. Raunak Nargundkar (2/13) and captain Govind Gaokar (1 wicket) provided excellent support.
In response, Stallions openers Viraj Tar (35 off 32 balls, 4 fours) and Chaitanya Kamat (35 off 25 balls, 4 fours, 1 six) laid a strong foundation with a 76-run partnership. The team comfortably chased the target in just 14.5 overs. For the Royals, Aditya Angle and Rueben Karekar managed one wicket each. Rohit Salgaonkar was named Man of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance.
In the second match, MCC Tigers secured their first victory of the season, defeating MCC Knights by 6 wickets with 16 balls to spare. After electing to bowl, the Tigers restricted the Knights to 141/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Nihal Borkar top-scored for the Knights with 36 runs off 33 balls (1 four, 1 six), while captain and wicketkeeper Pranav Biche contributed 32 off 23 balls. Venkat Biche added 31 runs with 2 fours. For the Tigers, Somay Naik picked up 2 wickets for 18 runs, while Smit Dalvi and Shaunit Sawardekar took 1 wicket each.
In the chase, the Tigers’ openers, Nikit Naik Dalal (22 off 19 balls, 2 fours) and Ameet Kakode (40 off 31 balls, 3 fours, 1 six), gave the team a solid start with a 36-run opening stand. Smit Dalvi contributed a vital 33 runs off 26 balls, including 2 sixes, before being dismissed by a stunning boundary catch from Rohit.