They defeat Priority Titans by five wickets in the final
Panaji: RC Goa emerged champions of the PGML 5.0 after five-wicket win over Priority Titans in the final at Panjim Gymkhana.
Chasing a target of 157, RC Goa completed the run chase with 27 deliveries to spare.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Priority Titans were bowled out for 156 in 19.3 overs. The Titans looked in control at 102 for 1 at one stage but suffered a middle-order collapse, slipping to 114 for 5. Rijul Pathak (37) and Atharva (37) built a solid foundation, while young opener Adeep Misquin added a quick 26. However, the lower order failed to capitalise as the innings ended before the allotted 20 overs.
For RC Goa, Nakul Mhamal was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 23 in his four overs.
Dattesh Priolkar claimed two wickets, while Aryan Mashelkar, Gauresh Khandepakar and Vardhan Prabhu Misquin also chipped in with two wickets each to contain the opposition.
In reply, RC Goa got off to a flying start, with Venkatesh Verlekar striking 29 off just 13 balls. Sachin Sardesai steadied the innings with a composed 40. Vardhan Prabhu Misquin (38) and skipper Rajshekhar Harikant (unbeaten 24) then ensured there were no further hiccups. Harikant fittingly sealed the victory in style, smashing three consecutive sixes to finish the match.
For Titans, Heramb Shankar Parab, Vivek Karapurkar and Dinesh Pai took one wicket each.
The final was graced by the presence of former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes.
