The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) secured a commanding 96-run victory over Visakhapatnam City Police to be crowned champions of the VDCA Institutional League 2025–26.

  • Eastern Naval Command (ENC) won the final by a massive margin of 96 runs.
  • ENC posted a formidable total of 222/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
  • Sumith Yadav and Deepak S.H. dismantled the opposition with 3 wickets each.

In a display of sheer dominance, the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) emerged as the champions of the Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association’s (VDCA) Institutional League 2025–26. The final, held at the prestigious ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Monday, saw ENC outclass the Visakhapatnam City Police in every department.

Opting to bat first, the ENC lineup unleashed a barrage of boundaries. Sanath Kelath set the tone with a blistering 78 off just 36 balls, providing the necessary momentum. He was ably supported by Bhankti S. Nayak, who contributed a crucial 58 off 27 balls. The innings was rounded off by an unbeaten 41 from Saurabh Rana, propelling the team to a massive 222 for five. While V. Eswar was the standout bowler for the City Police with figures of 3 for 19, he couldn't stem the flow of runs.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the rising dominance of institutional teams like the ENC indicates a shift toward structured athletic training within the armed forces. This synergy between professional military discipline and competitive sports is elevating the standard of local cricket in Andhra Pradesh, creating a bridge between amateur and professional play.

The chase proved to be an uphill battle for the Visakhapatnam City Police. They were bundled out for 126 in just 14.1 overs, failing to build any significant partnerships. T. Raju (38) and M. Santosh Kumar (29) offered some resistance, but the ENC bowling attack was relentless. Sumith Yadav was exceptionally economical, claiming 3 wickets for just 8 runs, while Deepak S.H. mirrored the success with 3 for 21.

"Posting 220+ in a T20 format creates an insurmountable psychological barrier for the opposition, which was evident in the City Police's collapse."

Historically, the VDCA Institutional League has served as a vital platform for employees of various government and private organizations to showcase their sporting prowess. The ACA-VDCA stadium, known for its world-class facilities, continues to be the epicenter of cricket development in the region, hosting both domestic and international fixtures.

Metric Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Visakhapatnam City Police
Total Score 222/5 (20 Overs) 126 (14.1 Overs)
Top Scorer Sanath Kelath (78) T. Raju (38)
Top Bowler Sumith Yadav (3/8) V. Eswar (3/19)
Did You Know?: The ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium is one of the few venues in India capable of hosting high-capacity international matches with a state-of-the-art drainage system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who was the top scorer in the final match?
A: Sanath Kelath of ENC scored 78 runs off 36 balls.

Q2: By how many runs did ENC win the title?
A: ENC won the title by a comprehensive margin of 96 runs.