Staff Reporter
Panaji
Dempo Challengers’ quest for a fourth straight PGML T20 final came to a heartbreaking end as Prescon Panthers edged past them with a three-wicket win in the Eliminator on Sunday. Meanwhile, RC Goa stormed into their first-ever final with a commanding 35-run win over Priority Titans in the first Qualifier earlier in the day at Panjim Gymkhana.
In an eliminator, Dempo Challengers struggled to post a competitive total, managing just 109 in 19.1 overs after electing to bat first. Skipper Tunish Sawkar (25) and Niraj Lotlekar (19) put up a fighting 41-run second-wicket stand, but the rest of the batting order crumbled under the pressure of Prescon’s spin duo—Manish Kakode (3/14) and Aditya Angle (2/28)—who dictated terms throughout the innings.
Defending a modest total, Dempo’s bowlers nearly pulled off a sensational comeback. Despite Prajyot Rivonker (25) and Siddhesh Amonkar (19) getting Prescon off to a solid start at 50/1 in the eighth over, Dempo’s spin wizards Dinesh Amrute (4/14) and Om Fadte (3/22) triggered a dramatic collapse. At 66/7 in 12.1 overs, Prescon were staring at elimination, but Vivek Karapurkar (19) and Sazu Naik (21)** held their nerve, forging an unbeaten 44-run stand for the eighth wicket to take their team across the finish line.
With the result, Dempo Challengers bow out of PGML for the first time in four editions, while Prescon Panthers march into the second Qualifier.
Earlier in the day, RC Goa delivered yet another clinical all-round performance, securing a 35-run victory over Priority Titans to reach their first-ever PGML final.
