Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Experienced batter Snehal Kauthankar produced a magnificent unbeaten century to guide Goa to a strong position against Bihar on the opening day of their Elite Group A Ranji Trophy encounter at the Panaji Gymkhana ground, Campal, on Monday.
Goa finished the day at 288 for six in 87 overs after recovering from an early batting collapse, with Kauthankar leading the fightback through a composed innings of 116 not out.
Celebrating his 31st birthday recently, Kauthankar registered his 11th first-class century, striking 12 boundaries and holding the innings together when Goa were under considerable pressure.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Goa suffered an early setback as openers Suyash Prabhudessai (4) and Manthan Khutkar (1) were dismissed inside the first six overs. Shivendra Bhujbal (7) and Lalit Yadav (19) also departed cheaply, leaving the hosts struggling at 54 for four in 23.4 overs.
Captain Abhinav Tejrana then joined Kauthankar and played a crucial role in rebuilding the innings. The pair added 99 runs for the fifth wicket, combining cautious batting with timely attacking strokes.
Tejrana scored an important 73 off 8 boundaries before his dismissal, providing Goa with much-needed stability.
Kauthankar continued his excellent innings and shared another valuable partnership of 73 runs for the sixth wicket with Yash Kasvankar, who contributed 28.
Following Kasvankar’s dismissal, Darshan Misal joined Kauthankar in the middle. The experienced pair ensured Goa did not lose another wicket before stumps, putting together an unbeaten 62-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Misal remained not out on 24, while Kauthankar finished the day unbeaten on 116, placing Goa in a promising position heading into the second day.
Goa made one change to their playing XI from the previous match, bringing in Heramb Parab in place of Shubham Tari.
Scorecard
Goa, First Innings: 288/6 in 87 overs
Snehal Kauthankar 116 not out, Abhinav Tejrana 73, Yash Kasvankar 28, Darshan Misal 24 not out, Lalit Yadav 19, Shivendra Bhujbal 7, Suyash Prabhudessai 4, Manthan Khutkar 1, Extras 16.
Bihar Bowling: Vasudev Prasad Singh 2/37, Suraj Kashyap 2/54, Suman Kumar 1/54, Khalid Alam 1/61.
