MARGAO: Sai Samarth Young Boys lifted the trophy of the first-ever Under-16 T20 Floodlight Cricket Tournament, held on May 7, 2026, at the Margao Cricket Club (MCC) Ground. The tournament was organized in memory of the late Pranav Mishal, in a collaborative effort between Sai Samarth Young Boys Goa, Politics XI Cricket Club Mapusa, and the Goa Cricket Association (GCA).
Chasing a modest target of 135 set by Betim XI (134/4 in 20 overs), Sai Samarth reached 135/2 in just 17.1 overs. Kushal Satardekar starred in the final with an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls, hitting 11 boundaries, and was named Player of the Match. Satardekar also earned Best Batsman honours for his 143 runs in the tournament, while Amit Gawas was declared Best Bowler and Man of the Series with 9 wickets at an economy of 4.08.
Guest of Honour and former GCA President Vipul Phadke urged young cricketers to train year-round without monsoon breaks and travel outside Goa to maintain fitness. He noted that while Goa has talent, a lack of willpower has prevented the state from producing more national-level players. Chief Guest and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao called for more international-standard grounds and felicitated Purvaja Prashant Verlekar on her selection to the India A women’s T20 squad for the England tour in June 2026.
GCA officials including Tulshidas Shetye, Paresh Phadte, and Sayad Abdul Majid, alongside Politics XI’s Veren Mayekar and Vithal Yeragundi, attended the ceremony. Social workers Chaitany Mankar and Vijay Bhike were also present.