Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa suffered a comprehensive defeat against Vidarbha, losing by an innings and 27 runs in their Elite Group A Ranji Trophy 2026-27 encounter at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur.
After bowling Goa out for 220 in the first innings, Vidarbha produced a commanding batting performance to score 442 for eight before declaring, securing a massive 222 run lead. Goa struggled to overcome the deficit in their second innings and were dismissed for 195 in 76 overs.
Goa’s first innings received valuable contributions from Yash Kasvankar and Darshan Misal. Kasvankar remained unbeaten on 63 off 212 deliveries, striking five boundaries, while Misal scored 51 off 108 balls, including five fours and a six. The pair added 104 runs for the seventh wicket to help Goa reach 220. Abhinav Tejrana contributed 30, while Lalit Yadav and Manthan Khutkar scored 22 and 16 respectively.
Nachiket Bhute led Vidarbha’s bowling attack with five wickets for 48 runs, while Rajneesh Gurbani claimed three for 33.
Vidarbha responded emphatically with the bat. Dhruv Shorey struck a commanding 168, while Danish Malewar scored 56 and Ravi Kumar Samarth contributed 53. Akshay Wadkar remained unbeaten on 63, and Aman Mokhade added 39 as Vidarbha declared at 442 for eight. Goa’s Ruthvik Naik was the leading wicket taker with five scalps, while Vasuki Koushik claimed two wickets.
Resuming their second innings at 41 for one, Goa found some resistance through Manthan Khutkar, who scored 70 off 160 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and five sixes. Shivendra Bhujbal remained unbeaten on 45, while Lalit Yadav added 26.
However, Vidarbha maintained control through disciplined bowling. Harsh Dubey claimed four wickets for 38 runs, while the remaining bowlers provided consistent support to dismiss Goa for 195.
Vidarbha’s commanding first innings total and effective bowling in the second innings ensured a decisive victory, leaving Goa unable to recover from the substantial deficit.
