Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa secured a place in the pre-quarterfinals of the Cooch Behar Trophy after their four-day match against Chandigarh ended in a draw at the GCA Academy Ground, Porvorim. Goa earned one point from the encounter, while Chandigarh collected three points due to their first-innings lead, leaving Goa atop Group D with 24 points. Batting first, Goa posted 308 runs all out in their first innings. Chandigarh responded strongly, scoring 457 in 123.3 overs to take a first-innings lead. In their second innings, Goa played positively despite Chandigarh’s efforts to force a result, finishing at 283 for 7 in 117 overs. On the third day, Goa had reached 106 for 1, showing early dominance.
Aditya Kota led the innings with 87 runs, supported by Shaantanu Nevagi’s 41 as they added 95 runs for the second wicket. After a middle-order collapse saw Goa slip from 173 for 1 to 212 for 5, Yash Kasvankar (31) and Nitin Ghadi (15) steadied the innings with cautious batting. Chigurupati Venkata (20 not out) and Mihir Kudalkar (13 not out) remained unbeaten at the close, ensuring the team held firm for the draw. Goa’s performance throughout the match demonstrated resilience and discipline, allowing them to maintain their top position in the group and advance to the next stage of the tournament.
Brief Scorecard: Goa U-19 1st Innings: 308 all out; Chandigarh U-19 1st Innings: 457 all out; Goa U-19 2nd Innings: 283 for 7 in 117 overs (Aditya Kota 87, Shaantanu Nevagi 41, Yash Kasvankar 31; Ankan Latka 3/47, Gaganpreet Singh 2/83, Ishan 2/63).
