Staff Reporter
Margao
La-Paz Garden CC were crowned champions of the South Zone in the GCA Division A after pulling off a one-wicket victory over Arlem SC at the MCC ground, Margao on Wednesday.
Chasing 244 for victory, La-Paz Garden found themselves in a tense finish but held their nerve to cross the line in the final over. Achit Shigwan was the hero, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 75, ensuring his side clinched the title in a nail-biting fashion. Sumiran Amonkar (45) and Ninad Kadam (44) provided crucial contributions, but Arlem SC’s bowlers kept the contest alive till the very end. Krishnana Unni (2-50), Vaibhav Mali (2-31), Srinivas Fadte (2-48), and Prasad Patil (2-41) all chipped in with key breakthroughs, but it wasn’t enough to deny La-Paz Garden their moment of glory.
Earlier, Arlem SC posted 243/9 in their allotted 45 overs, with Gourav Desai (53), Sourav Kaundlass (42), and Ajay Rohera (49) leading the charge. Chigurupati Venkata (3-38) was the pick of the bowlers for La-Paz Garden, while Nikesh Panajikar (2-29) and Ninad Kadam (1-32) provided vital support.
For his match-winning knock, Shigwan was named Player of the Match as La-Paz Garden CC celebrated a hard-fought victory, securing the South Zone crown.
