PANAJI: Dempo Challengers scored an emphatic five-wicket victory over Baale Tigers to make it three wins in a row at the Panjim Gymkhana Members League T20 at PG ground, Campal, here on Sunday.
Dempo continue to lead the table with three wins from three matches. With this loss, Baale Tigers ended their league engagements with just one victory in four matches.
After early departure of the openers, the run chase was resurrected when Dempo captain Mukhtar Kadri continued his fine run with the bat. His 38 from 16 balls, was the knock that put the Challengers on the road to victory. He struck six fine boundaries and a sixer. Watching him go, young Mehank Dharwadkar grew in confidence and scored 35 off 31 balls, which included four boundaries. They put on 62 runs for the third wicket. Nakul Mhamal (17) then ensured there were no further hiccups as Dempo cruised home with another dominant display.
Baale’s Sameer Chodankar took two wickets while Sudin Kamat and Balkrishna Hodarkar picked up a wicket each.
Electing to bat, Baale Tigers suffered a batting failure and could only manage to post a total of 109/9.
Rohit Mehta was the highest scorer of the Baale Tigers innings with 38 runs off 31 balls. His unbeaten knock comprised five boundaries. Captain Kapil Angle made 16 while Sudin Kamat contributed 13 runs.
With the wickets falling regularly, there were hardly any notable partnerships. The top stand realised 25 runs for the ninth wicket.
Dempo bowlers Aryan Mashelkar and Ajay Pednekar took three wickets each. Mukhtar Kadri, Nakul Mhamal and Sargam Falare picked up one wicket apiece.
Aryan was named man of the match and received the award from former Ranji Trophy cricketer Anil Arolkar.
Brief Scores : Baale Tigers 109/9 (Rohit Mehta 38 NO, Kapil Angle 16; Aryan Mashelkar 3/18, Ajay Pednekar 3/19) Dempo Challengers 110/5 in 16.3 overs (Mukhtar Kadri 38, Mehank Dharwadkar 35; Sameer Chodankar 2/13)
