Staff Reporter
Arlem
Priority Titans stormed into the final of the Rajdeep Builders Sarsangan Super Series Cricket 2024-25 after a thrilling 22-run victory over Commonwealth Fountainheads in the second semifinal at Arlem Cricket ground on Wedenesday.
Opting to bat on a belter, Titans faced early jitters as Ameya Prabhudessai’s fiery opening burst sent Sudin Kamat (6) and Granthik Buyao (2) packing, while Aditya Prabhugaonkar rattled Sahish Mahambrey’s (19) stumps to leave them reeling at 35/3 inside five overs. However, Deval Karmali (28 off 19, 2x4s, 1×6) and Samar Dubhashi (38 off 21, 5x4s) counterattacked, adding 54 in just 32 balls to take Titans to 89/4 at the halfway mark.
What followed was a batting onslaught as Titans’ middle order ran riot, plundering 139 runs in the final 10 overs, including a staggering 65 in the last three. Contributions from Amith Kamat (15), Animesh Prabhugaonkar (35), Akshay Dalvi (20), Rauji Kakodkar (31)*, and Sunil Salgaonkar (22)* powered them to a tournament-high 228/6. Prabhudessai (2/27) was the standout bowler, while Aditya Prabhugaonkar, Pratap Prabhugaonkar, Saish Hegde, and Amod Borkar chipped in with a wicket each.
In response, the Fountainheads, despite an early setback with Gaurish Shenvi Lotlikar (9) run out, stayed in the hunt with Amod Borkar (21), Aamod Talaulikar (37), and Aditya Prabhugaonkar (26) guiding them to 89/2 at the 10-over mark—mirroring Titans’ halfway total. Laxmikant Kurade (18), Amey Rajadhyax (29), and Yash Prabhugaonkar (26) kept the chase alive, reducing the equation to 57 off 25 balls.
With Prabhakar Shetye (11) and Kedar Kamat (13)* taking the score to 202/7 after 18 overs, the Fountainheads needed 27 from the last 12 balls.
However, Rauji Kakodkar delivered a clutch penultimate over, conceding just four runs while taking two wickets to end the chase at 206 all out, sealing a 22-run win for the Titans.
Priority Titans will now face Desserts n More Avengers in the final on Sunday at Arlem ground at 1 p.m.
