Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa face an uphill battle to save their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A encounter against Baroda after conceding a massive first innings lead on the third day at the Panaji Gymkhana ground.
Replying to Baroda’s declared total of 472 for eight, Goa were dismissed for 199 in 71.1 overs, falling 273 runs short. Baroda enforced the follow on, leaving Goa at 35 for one at stumps. The hosts need to overcome a deficit of 238 runs on Wednesday, the final day, with nine wickets still in hand.
Goa resumed their first innings at 5 for one but struggled to cope with Baroda’s disciplined bowling attack. The hosts lost wickets at regular intervals and slipped to 66 for four, allowing the visitors to tighten their grip on the contest.
Snehal Kauthankar and Lalit Yadav then produced a determined recovery, combining for an 81 run partnership that offered Goa some hope of reducing the deficit. Kauthankar scored a fighting 50, while Yadav contributed 54. Their efforts helped Goa move past the 150 run mark, but the lower order failed to build on the partnership as Baroda completed the dismissal for 199.
Mahesh Pithiya led the visitors’ bowling attack with five wickets for 58 runs. Bhargav Bhatt provided valuable support, claiming four wickets for 51 runs, while Rasikh Dar took one wicket.
Goa’s second innings began poorly as Suyash Prabhudessai was dismissed for just two runs. Shivendra Bhujbal and captain Abhinav Tejrana steadied the innings with an unbeaten partnership, reaching 13 and 14 respectively by the close of play.
With only one day remaining, Goa must produce a determined batting performance to avoid defeat. Baroda, meanwhile, will aim to strike early and take advantage of their commanding position to secure a victory in the Elite Group A fixture.
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