Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa endured a difficult start to their Cooch Behar Trophy Elite quarterfinal after being bowled out for 164 in their first innings on the opening day of the four day Under 19 clash against Madhya Pradesh at the GCA ground in Sanguem on Thursday.
After winning the toss, Madhya Pradesh chose to field and quickly justified the decision by maintaining disciplined lines and sustained pressure throughout the day. Goa’s batting line up struggled to build momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing the hosts from capitalising on the early overs. The innings ended after 82.5 overs, with only a handful of batters managing meaningful contributions.
Goa lost early wickets and were unable to recover until a crucial partnership steadied the innings. The fifth wicket stand between Dishank Misquin and Aradhya Goyal proved to be the backbone of Goa’s total. The pair added 76 runs and briefly shifted the momentum in Goa’s favour. Misquin played a composed knock of 44, showing patience against the moving ball, while Goyal top scored with a well made 50 that included five crisp boundaries.
Earlier, opener Sarthak Bhike provided some resistance at the top of the order with a steady 31, but a lack of support from the middle order meant Goa failed to post a competitive total. Several batters were dismissed cheaply, allowing Madhya Pradesh to keep control of the contest.
The bowling effort from Madhya Pradesh was led by Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan, who delivered an impressive spell to finish with figures of 3 for 34. He was well supported by Ayush Shukla and Prateek Shukla, who picked up two wickets each and ensured Goa never settled at the crease.
In reply, Madhya Pradesh began cautiously and reached 12 for 1 in four overs by stumps. Goa managed to strike once late in the day, keeping their hopes alive as the visitors ended with a narrow advantage.
With three days remaining, the match remains finely balanced. Goa will look to make early inroads on the second morning, while Madhya Pradesh will aim to build a solid first innings lead and strengthen their grip on the quarterfinal encounter.
