Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa produced a spirited performance but eventually went down by 87 runs against a powerful Mumbai side in the Vijay Hazare Elite tournament at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur. While the final margin suggested a one sided contest, the match witnessed a determined Goa fightback in response to an imposing target.
After winning the toss, Goa opted to bowl first and began positively, preventing Mumbai’s top order from settling into a rhythm. The early pressure, however, was undone by a breathtaking assault from Sarfaraz Khan, who completely changed the course of the innings. Batting at number four, Sarfaraz unleashed a stunning 157 off just 75 deliveries, hammering nine boundaries and fourteen sixes in a display of raw power and timing. He was well supported later by wicketkeeper Hardik Tamore, whose quickfire 53 off 28 balls ensured Mumbai finished with a massive 444 for eight in their 50 overs.
For Goa, Darshan Misal stood out with three wickets, while V. Koushik and Lalit Yadav chipped in with two each, though the bowlers largely bore the brunt of Mumbai’s aggressive batting.
Chasing a daunting target, Goa refused to fold. Openers Arjun Tendulkar and Kashyap Bakhle gave the innings a steady start before the middle order took charge. Lalit Yadav anchored the chase with a composed 64 and played a key role in a crucial fifth wicket partnership of 117 runs with Abhinav Tejrana. Tejrana was the standout performer for Goa, smashing a brilliant 100 off just 70 balls with five fours and eight sixes, keeping the chase alive deep into the innings.
Captain Deepraj Gaonkar then provided late fireworks with a blistering 70 off only 28 deliveries, striking the ball cleanly and clearing the ropes seven times. Despite their efforts, the steep required rate proved too much in the closing overs.
Shardul Thakur was Mumbai’s most effective bowler, claiming three wickets for 20 runs to halt Goa’s momentum. With this defeat, Goa slipped to third place in Group C with 12 points and will look to bounce back when they face Uttarakhand on January 3.
