Team Herald
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MARGAO: MCC Legends and MCC Dragons claimed victories in their respective matches in the 10th season of Members Cricket League (MCL) organised by Margao Cricket Club, at the MCC ground, here.
The first match saw, MCC Legends overcome MCC Knights by 5 wickets. MCC Knights set a competitive total of 124/9 in 17 overs, with standout performances from Venkatesh Nevgi, who top-scored with 40 runs off 20 balls, featuring 5 fours and 2 sixes. Rohit Mehta and Pranav Biche contributed 33 and 22 runs, respectively.
MCC Legends’ bowling attack was spearheaded by Vasudev Kundaiker, who took two wickets for a mere 7 runs. Additional support came from Sandeep Dalal, Amod Borkar, Gopal Gawas, and Elliyas Naroo taking one wicket each.
In reply, MCC Legends chased down the target of 125 in just 15 overs. Vasudev Kundaiker shone with the bat as well, scoring 36 runs from 27 balls, supported by Elliyas Naroo’s 35 runs off 25 balls and opener Vishwesh Kamat’s 21 runs. Despite Venkatesh Biche’s impressive bowling, taking two wickets for 16 runs, and Dinesh Pai’s 1/20, MCC Knights were unable to hold back the Legends. For his all-round contribution, Vasudev Kundaiker was named the player-of-the-match.
In second match, MCC Dragons had a nail-biting encounter against MCC Royals. After opting to bat first, MCC Royals faced a tough start, losing five wickets for just 43 runs in 7 overs. Captain Aditya Angle’s 16 and Shailesh Borkar’s 35 off 27 balls, laced with five boundaries, helped the team reach a defendable total of 115 runs in 20 overs.
MCC Dragons’ bowling unit was led by Dr Ankush Patil, who bagged three wickets for 11 runs, while Om Fadte took 2/12 and Sudhir Shet, Mrinmay Das, and Rajesh Chougule each chipped in with a wicket.
Chasing 116, MCC Dragons also found themselves in trouble at 7/3 but were steadied by Captain Vaibhav Naik’s crucial 38-run innings off 35 balls. His 35-run partnership with Aditya Prabhugaonkar (18) and a resilient 31 runs by Rasik Pai Khot kept the chase alive. The match reached a dramatic conclusion with 13 runs required from the final over. Sudhir Shet’s unbeaten 15 off 12 balls and Dr Ankush Patil’s 4 not out ensured a thrilling finish for the Dragons.
Dr Ankush Patil’s match-winning efforts earned him the player-of-the-match accolade.
On November 20, Masters will face Warriors and on November 21, Tigers will take on Stallions.