Panaji/ Porvorim: Karimabad CC and Khorlim XI booked their spots in the North Zone final of the GCA Division A after securing dominant wins in their respective semifinals on Thursday.
At Panjim Gymkhana, Karimabad CC powered past Pedne CSC with a 97-run victory, courtesy of a stellar all-round performance from Siddharth Karpe. Batting first, Karimabad piled up a mammoth 345/5 in 45 overs, with Karpe smashing an unbeaten 133, while Swapnil F hammered 121. Pedne’s bowlers, led by Prasad Nagvekar (3-56), struggled to contain the onslaught.
In reply, Sohail Khwaja (104) fought a lone battle for Pedne, but Karimabad’s disciplined attack, featuring Aaditya Kota (2-30), Siddharth Karpe (2-31), Anandrao Bhoite (2-48), and Pritesh Naik (2-55), ensured they were bowled out for 248 in 44.5 overs. Karpe’s match-winning knock and crucial wickets earned him the Player of the Match award.
Meanwhile, at GCA Ground, Porvorim, Khorlim XI edged out Challenger SC in a tense 20-run victory. Opting to bat first, Khorlim put up 265 in 41 overs, led by Ninad Pawaskar’s 74, while Bhuvhan Talawadekar (41) and Vaibhav Naik (26) added valuable contributions. Challenger’s bowlers, led by Tejas Palkar (3-39) and Mohit Yadav (2-42), kept the pressure on.
Chasing 266, Mihir Kudalkar (61), Aman Dhooper (44), and Mohit Yadav (43) kept Challenger in the hunt, but Sahil Dhuri (3-0), Amit Yadav (3-44), and Dhananjay (2-49) ensured Khorlim held firm, bowling them out for 245 in 42.3 overs. Pawaskar’s crucial knock earned him the Player of the Match title.
