Panthers secure seven-wicket win over Titans
Panaji: Dempo Challengers kept their playoff hopes alive with a 21-run victory over Desserts N’More Avengers in the ongoing PGML 4.0 at the Panjim Gymkhana ground on Sunday. The win came after Prescon Panthers had earlier handed table-toppers Priority Titans their first loss of the tournament with a dominant 7-wicket win.
After electing to bat first, Dempo Challengers posted a competitive total of 168/7, thanks to captain Tunish Sawkar’s blistering 40 off 24 balls, which included 3 boundaries and 2 sixes. Tunish, who was dropped early on 4, also contributed with the ball, picking up a crucial wicket and was deservedly named ‘Grant Thornton’ Man-of-the-Match. Om Fadte (34) and Niraj Lotlekar (33) played vital supporting roles, building key partnerships with Tunish and Prashant Pangam (18) to propel Dempo to a challenging total.
In reply, Desserts N’More Avengers were off to a flying start, with Sairaj Dhond (28) and Saandip Dahaad (24) leading the charge. However, Dempo’s disciplined fielding and smart bowling efforts turned the game in their favour. Crucial breakthroughs came with the dismissals of Saif Ali Karajgi and Rajshekhar Harikant, allowing Dempo to bowl out the Avengers for 147, clinching their second win in four games.
