Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa suffered a six wicket defeat against a strong Punjab side in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite tournament on Tuesday, as Punjab chased down a modest target with authority at the K L Saini Stadium in Jaipur. Despite a few fighting performances, Goa were unable to match Punjab’s depth and consistency in both departments.
Punjab won the toss and opted to field, a decision that paid off early. Goa’s innings got off to a shaky start with openers Arjun Tendulkar and Kashyap Bakhle dismissed cheaply, reducing the side to 20 for 2. Snehal Kauthankar and Suyash Prabhudessai attempted to stabilise the innings, adding some much needed momentum and taking the score past fifty.
After Snehal’s departure, Suyash found solid support in Lalit Yadav, with the pair adding a crucial 43 run partnership. Suyash played the standout knock for Goa, scoring an aggressive 66 off just 43 deliveries, striking eight boundaries and four sixes. Lalit followed with a well composed 54 from 59 balls, which included five fours and two sixes. However, the lower middle order failed to build on the platform, and Goa were bowled out for 211 in 33.3 overs. For Punjab, leg spinner Mayank Markande led the attack with three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, Sukhdeep Bajwa and Krish Bhagat chipped in with two wickets each.
Punjab’s chase also began on an uncertain note as they lost two wickets for just 17 runs. Goa’s bowlers showed discipline early and even managed to dismiss India captain Shubman Gill for 11, keeping him under pressure throughout his brief stay at the crease.
The turning point came through a commanding fourth wicket partnership between Harnoor Singh and Naman Dhir. Harnoor anchored the chase with an unbeaten 94 off 90 balls, laced with eleven fours and a six. Dhir complemented him perfectly with a fluent 68 from 65 balls. Their 131 run stand ensured Punjab crossed the line comfortably, finishing on 212 for 4 in 35 overs.
For Goa, Koushik picked up two wickets, while Lalit Yadav and Shubham Tari claimed one each. After six matches, Goa remain fifth in Group C with 12 points and will face Maharashtra in their final league fixture on January 8.
