Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Kerala dominated Goa by nine wickets at the Goa Cricket Association Academy ground in Porvorim on Sunday, ending the latter’s Ranji Trophy Elite B group campaign on a disappointing note. After securing a decisive 171-run lead in the first innings, Kerala wrapped up the match with a commanding performance across both batting and bowling. Goa, batting first, were dismissed for 355, a total that Kerala comfortably surpassed by posting 526 for nine declared.
Goa’s second innings proved equally challenging, as they were bowled out for 199 in 53.3 overs despite resuming from 18 without loss overnight. Darshan Misal offered the only substantial resistance with 55 runs, while Amulya Pandrekar contributed 32 and Arjun Tendulkar added 24. Kerala’s bowling attack dominated throughout, with Nidheesh MD taking five wickets and Ankit Sharma and Basil NP providing key breakthroughs.
Chasing a modest target of 29, Kerala completed the victory in just 5.5 overs, losing only one wicket. Abhishek Nair remained unbeaten on 19, while Salman Nizar finished not out on 9, ensuring a swift and emphatic win.
With this defeat, Goa finished sixth in the Elite B group among eight teams. Despite a promising start to the season, they suffered losses in four consecutive matches to end the campaign with one win, four defeats, and two draws, totaling 11 points. Kerala’s comprehensive win highlighted their superior all-round performance and dominance across departments, underscoring a strong finish to their campaign.
