Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Maharashtra in their Ranji Trophy Elite B Group match at the MCA Cricket Stadium in Gahunje, Pune. Set a modest target of 108 runs, Maharashtra reached it comfortably, losing only two wickets.
Maharashtra had established a strong position earlier by scoring 350 in their first innings, securing a 141-run lead over Goa, who had managed 209 in their opening innings. Resuming their second innings on the third day at 210 for six, Goa were eventually dismissed for 248. Darshan Misal, unbeaten overnight on 52, top-scored with 65, while Amulya Pandrekar contributed 14 runs as the innings concluded.
The victory was built on a disciplined bowling performance from Maharashtra. Veteran off-spinner Jalaj Saxena led the attack with figures of five for 81, supported by Hitesh Walunj, who claimed four wickets for 63, while Vicky Ostwal chipped in with one scalp.
During the chase, Maharashtra were briefly pegged back by early dismissals of Prithvi Shaw (17) and Niraj Joshi (22). However, Arshin Kulkarni anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52, supported by Siddharth Mhatre, who remained not out on 14, guiding the team to a comfortable win. For Goa, Lalit Yadav and Darshan Misal accounted for a wicket each.
The defeat leaves Goa with 11 points from six matches, placing them fifth among eight teams in Group B. The team will next face Kerala in their upcoming fixture.
Goa 1st innings 209 all out; Maharashtra 1st innings 350 all out; Goa 2nd innings 248 all out (Darshan Misal 65; Jalaj Saxena 5/81, Hitesh Walunj 4/63, Vicky Ostwal 1/52); Maharashtra 2nd innings 109/2 (Arshin Kulkarni not out 52, Siddharth Mhatre not out 14; Lalit Yadav 1/34, Darshan Misal 1/12).
