NT Reporter
Arlem
Mapusa Dream Crushers held their nerve to clinch the Sarsangan Commonwealth Developers +45 Veterans Cricket Series 2025, defeating Salcete Stallions by a thrilling four runs in the final at Arlem
Cricket Ground.
Batting first, the Dream Crushers posted 177/9 in 20 overs, powered by Anant Chodnekar (31), Samrudh Hegde Desai (30), Mahesh Kudchadkar (23) and Vibhav Pai (21). Stallions’ Rakesh Mallya (2/23) and Gomakant Mahambrey (2/24) bowled well, but a late collapse saw them restricted to 173/8 despite Ganesh Pai Vernekar’s 36. Dream Crushers’ bowlers, including Viraj Padiyar (2/20) and Mahesh Churi (2/21), delivered crucial spells. Samrudh Hegde Desai was named Man
of the Match.
In the third-place playoff, Pai & Khot Fighters overpowered Govindraj Legends by eight wickets. Captain Avinash Kossambe’s unbeaten 38 guided the chase as Sandeep Thali (35) and Shiraj Pai Khot (35) laid the foundation.
Series awards went to Shiraj Pai Khot (Player of the Series), Sandeep Thali (Best Batter), Rasik Pai Khot (Best Bowler), Mahendra Pai Kuchelkar (Best Keeper), Ganesh Pai Vernekar (Best Fielder) and Sudin Kamat (Best Catch).
