PANAJI
Goa suffered a narrow one-wicket defeat to Vidarbha in a last-ball thriller in the opening match of the West Zone Veterans T20 Tournament played in Nanded on Thursday.
Put in to bat, Goa posted a competitive 175 for 8 in 20 overs, riding on a fine 67 off 49 balls by Sahil Dhuri. Siddesh Alvekar provided late impetus with a blistering 50 off just 17 deliveries, while Sandeep Demello chipped in with 32 off 28 balls.
In reply, Vidarbha chased down the target on the final ball of the innings, finishing with nine wickets down. Mangesh Samad (40), Parishit Triplani (37) and Anup Fulpar (31) led the chase, with Shalab Shri adding 22.
Goa bowlers fought hard, with Basu Madar (2/29), Sahil Dhuri (2/31) and Suraj Sawal (2/31) claiming two wickets each, while Muktar Kadri and Prasad Patil took a wicket apiece. However, Vidarbha managed to cross the line to seal a one-wicket victory in a tense finish.
