Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Yash Kasvankar and Darshan Misal struck fighting half centuries to help Goa recover from a difficult position against Vidarbha on the opening day of their Elite Group A Ranji Trophy match at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Monday. After being asked to bat first, Goa reached 204 for eight in 86 overs at stumps.
Vidarbha’s pace attack made an impressive start after the hosts won the toss and elected to bowl. Goa’s top order struggled against disciplined bowling, slipping to 84 for six and facing the prospect of a low first innings total.
Kasvankar and Misal then produced a crucial partnership, adding 104 runs for the seventh wicket to revive Goa’s innings. The duo displayed patience and determination, countering Vidarbha’s bowling attack and providing much needed stability.
Kasvankar remained unbeaten on 51 off 177 deliveries, striking four boundaries. Misal also scored 51, facing 108 balls and hitting five boundaries and a six. Their partnership helped Goa cross the 200 run mark after the early collapse.
Vidarbha managed to break the resistance towards the end of the day, but Kasvankar remained at the crease alongside Vasuki Koushik, who was unbeaten on four, leaving Goa with an opportunity to add more runs on the second day.
Nachiket Bhute led Vidarbha’s bowling effort with four wickets for 40 runs in 18 overs. Rajneesh Gurbani provided strong support, taking two wickets for 28 runs in 17 overs, including seven maiden overs. Harsh Dubey and Parth Rekhade claimed one wicket each.
Goa’s innings began poorly, with Suyash Prabhudessai dismissed for one and Shivendra Bhujbal departing without scoring. Manthan Khutkar made 16, while Abhinav Tejrana contributed 30. Snehal Kauthankar was dismissed without scoring, and Lalit Yadav added 22 before Goa’s middle order faced further pressure.
Kasvankar and Misal’s determined efforts ensured Goa finished the opening day with a competitive total, although Vidarbha remained in a strong position after restricting the visitors to eight wickets.
