Dempo embarrass IPCA

PANAJI: The inclusion of outstation teams was expected to give the Goans a run for their money. But while RN Sports (Mumbai) gave a poor account of themselves in the two matches they have played, and lost, so far, and Colombo Warriors have been a mixed bag, it is IPCA-Chandigarh that has proved to be the biggest embarrassment for the Goa Premier League.
IPCA were bundled out for a paltry 75 in the opening game against Chowgule Warriors and they plunged to a new low against Dempo Cricket Club on Thursday after they managed only 70 despite playing all of the 20 overs.
Shockingly, only three players -- Hemant Patil (13), Jeetendra Singa (12) and Sandesh Pawaskar (23) - reached double figures.
The target proved to be easy meat for Dempo as Yogesh Takwale (53n.o) and Amogh Desai (16n.o) achieved the target in a mere six overs.
While nobody really knows why and how the unknown IPCA came to be included among the eight teams in the GPL, there are claims that IPCA were "disappointed" that four of their new recruits - all of whom arrived on Monday -- were not allowed to take part citing tournament rules.
Earlier in the day, Sarvodaya Royals continued with their impressive performances as they notched their third successive victory.
Batting first, Sarvodaya scored 189-7 with Shivkant Shukla (75 runs, 44 balls, 11x4, 2x6) being the top scorer. He was well assisted by Saurabh Bandekar (48) as the second wicket partnership of 127 runs from 13 overs laid the foundation for another high score.
In reply, Chowgule Warriors were all out for 121 in 19.3 overs.
Brief scores: Sarvodaya Royals, 189 for 7 in 20 overs (Shivkant Shukla 75, Saurabh Bandekar 48; Dhanraj Singh 3-34) bt Chowgule Warriors, 121 all in 19.3 overs (Suraj Dongre 56; Darshan Misal 4-18). Man-of-the-Match: Shivkant Shukla (Sarvodaya Royals).
IPCA, Chandigarh, 70 all out in 20 overs (Sandesh Pawaskar 23; Rajesh Powar 3-10, Amogh Desai 2-5) lost to Dempo CC, 71 without loss in 5.6 overs (Amogh Desai 16n.o, Yogesh Takwale 53n.o). Man-of-the-Match: Yogesh Takwale (Dempo).