Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa suffered a crushing innings and 135 run defeat against Baroda in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A encounter at the Panjim Gymkhana Ground on Wednesday, as Baroda’s spinners dominated proceedings in both innings.
Baroda established complete control after posting a formidable 472 for eight declared in their first innings. Captain Atit Sheth narrowly missed a century, scoring 99, while Mitesh Patel contributed 81. Shashwat Rawat added 69 runs and Deepak Hooda scored 52 to strengthen Baroda’s position.
In reply, Goa were dismissed for 199 in 71.1 overs, conceding a substantial first innings lead of 273 runs. Lalit Yadav scored 54 and Snehal Kauthankar made 50, but the remaining batters struggled to build partnerships against Baroda’s disciplined bowling attack.
Mahesh Pithiya led the bowling effort with four wickets for 58 runs, while Bhargav Bhatt claimed four wickets for 51 runs, leaving Goa in a difficult position.
Forced to follow on, Goa resumed their second innings at 35 for one but failed to mount a serious challenge. The hosts were bowled out for 138 in 68 overs, handing Baroda a comprehensive victory.
Captain Abhinav Tejrana top scored with 47, while Shivendra Bhujbal contributed 46. Their efforts provided some resistance, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to keep the innings going as Baroda’s spinners continued to strike regularly.
Bhatt delivered another outstanding performance, taking five wickets for 32 runs in the second innings. Pithiya supported him with four wickets for 66 runs. Both bowlers finished with nine wickets each across the match, underlining their decisive role in Baroda’s victory.
The defeat exposed Goa’s batting vulnerabilities, particularly their inability to recover after conceding a substantial first innings lead. Goa will need a stronger batting performance in their upcoming Elite Group A fixture, while Baroda will take confidence from their commanding display with both bat and ball.
Brief Scorecard
Baroda: 472/8 declared
Goa: 199 all out
Goa (second innings): 138 all out in 68 overs
Top scorers: Abhinav Tejrana 47, Shivendra Bhujbal 46
Baroda bowling: Bhargav Bhatt 5/32, Mahesh Pithiya 4/66
