TFC clinched the championship title in a dominating fashion, defeating MSDIAN Strikers by 69 runs in the grand finale of the Nashik Premier Industrial League on Friday. Batting first, TFC posted a formidable total of 203/7 in just 18 overs, thanks to a stellar performance by Prajwal Kale, who was named Man of the Match for his explosive 66 runs off 42 balls, smashing four boundaries and five sixes.
He was well-supported by R. Purohit (40 off 29) and P. Padvi (30 off 20), ensuring a daunting target. MSDIAN Strikers, in response, faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 134 in 20 overs. TFC’s bowling attack was spearheaded by A. Wadsal, who took three wickets for 21 runs, and A. Pathan, who claimed two wickets for 32 runs.
The match highlights, they are available on the Sportvot App. The tournament was being live streamed on SportVot in association with FPJ.
Sagar Auti beat Cricket Mantras
Sagar Auti Cricket Academy (SACA) clinched a thrilling three-wicket victory over Cricket Mantras in the Future Stars Cricket Championship in Sangli on Friday. Chasing a target of 121, SACA reached the mark in 18.3 overs, with Ranjit Choughule playing a crucial all-round role.
Choughule delivered a match-winning performance, taking three wickets in 2.2 overs while conceding just six runs. With the bat, he contributed a vital 21 runs off 17 balls.
V. Rathod also played a steady knock, scoring 24 runs off 22 balls. On the bowling front, N. Ashokh Choughule supported the team brilliantly, claiming three wickets in three overs while giving away just nine runs.
SM18 Cricket Academy secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over PPCA Mangalvedha in a last-over finish. Chasing 170, SM18 successfully reached the target in 19.5 overs, thanks to a brilliant knock by Bhanudas Kulal, who smashed 76 runs off 47 balls, hitting 10 fours and one six. He was well supported by K. Patil, who played an aggressive innings of 37 runs in just 21 balls. In the bowling department, S. Bargaje played a key role, taking two wickets in four overs while conceding just 27 runs.
FC Goa and Jamsedpur FC qualify for next stage of RFDL
FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC became the first two teams in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024-25 season to book their place in the National Championship at the Reliance Corporate Park in Mumbai on Friday.
FC Goa started their National Group Stage campaign with back-to-back losses against Diamond Harbour FC and NorthEast United FC. However, they made a remarkable turnaround in the third game, defeating Jamshedpur FC 3-0 and following it up with another convincing win over East Bengal FC.
Coming into the game against Kickstart FC, the Gaurs direly needed three points to ensure qualification to the next stage of the competition.
They started the game on the front foot and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. Malsawmtluanga’s corner was improperly cleared by the Kickstart FC defence and Prachit Gaonkar drove it inside the box first time as the ball landed in Vellington Fernandes’ feet and the midfielder made no mistake in scoring from close range. FC Goa received a much-required boost in the game with the lead and showed more intent going forward. On the other hand, Kickstart pushed for an equaliser but couldn’t quite find a proper breakthrough.
The scoreline remained as FC Goa looked all set to pick up the three points and in came Lalthangliana to seal the deal for his side with a second goal in the dying seconds of the game. The midfielder was left unmarked in the attacking third and he went on to dribble and
score with a clean strike to make it 2-0, marking a superb comeback from the Gaurs in the competition. FC Goa’s win also meant Jamshedpur FC, at 9 points, made the cut for the National Championship, regardless of their result against Diamond Harbour, as the two sides now await their semi-final opponents from Group B.
In the other match, NorthEast United FC ended their RFDL 2024-25 campaign with a 2-0 win over East Bengal FC. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam opened the scoring for the Highlanders with an acrobatic effort off the rebound, after the East Bengal goalkeeper spilled Huidrom
Thoi Singh’s attempt from outside the box. The Red & Gold Brigade had a fair share of chances to level the scores but lacked finishing in the final third.
In the end, Fredy Chawngthansanga put the game to bed in the 90th minute scoring NorthEast United’s second goal. The midfielder was left unmarked inside the box and he made the most out of a perfectly-lobbed pass from Gunleiba, to latch the ball into the bottom right corner.
FC Goa blank Kickstart FC in Mumbai Premier League
FC Goa secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Kickstart FC Karnataka in the Mumbai Premier League at Nevile D’Souza Ground, Bandra
on Friday. Controlling 53% possession, FC Goa dominated the game with 18 shots, 12 of which were on target, compared to Kickstart FC’s 12 shots and six on target. Despite both teams maintaining discipline with zero red cards and only one
yellow card each, FC Goa’s attacking prowess proved decisive. They capitalised on their 11 corner opportunities while limiting their opponents to just 4. The match saw high energy and strategic gameplay, with FC Goa sealing the win in the extended 90+6:15 minutes of play, asserting their superiority on the field.
