Members of the VSCC Valpoi team celebrate with the trophy after winning the final.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

VSCC Valpoi defeated Petromann MCC in a thrilling clash to win the Valpoi Friendship Cup 2023 at the Nuzul cricket ground, Jebel Ali in Dubai.

The tournament was organized by Goans Connecting Goans with support of the Permanent Committee Of Labour Affairs, Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Police.

After winning the toss, VSCC Valpoi captain Jilan Shah elected to field first.

Petromann MCC captain Tanvir Sadekar led from the front and helped his team to post a target of 77 runs. Tausif Zamadar hit quick-fire 53 off 18 balls studded with seven sixes while putting the VSCC bowling attack to sword.

In reply, VSCC Valpoi suffered early setbacks. They lost three wickets quickly. Later, VSCC's Abu Khan scored 41 runs off 16 balls while Nayeem Shah scored 21 runs off 7 balls to push the match to the last ball. Khan hit the ball outside the ground in the nail-biting finish to assure the host VSCC took the trophy home.

Abdulla Lashkari, General Secretary Of Permanent Committee Of Labour Affairs Dubai, gave away the prizes in the presence of Joseph Philip, chairman of Goans Connecting Goans Association Dubai.