Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa endured a close 18-run loss to Andhra in the U-23 Women’s T20 Elite Tournament in Nagpur, where a determined effort from Tanisha Gaikwad kept the chase alive but could not overturn a challenging target.
Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, Goa made an explosive start that put Andhra under severe pressure. Angel D’Costa led the early charge with a sharp spell that dismantled the top order. Her three early strikes, combined with a run-out, reduced Andhra to 14 for 4 inside the powerplay and handed Goa complete control. The momentum shifted when Andhra’s middle order produced a resilient fightback. A robust 93-run stand for the fifth wicket revived their innings, with Hema Roshni anchoring the recovery with an unbeaten half-century and Anjum adding a fluent 53. Their partnership lifted Andhra to a competitive 146 for 7 at the end of 20 overs. Angel closed with exceptional figures of four wickets for just 10 runs, while Usma Khan and Sejal Naik contributed a wicket each.
Goa’s pursuit began cautiously, and steady but slow scoring left them at 51 for 3 by the halfway stage. The innings came alive when Tanisha Gaikwad shifted gears with a powerful counterattack. Her 73 off 50 deliveries featured clean strokes, eight fours and three sixes, keeping Goa in contention even as wickets fell at the other end. Despite her dominance, the lack of sizeable partnerships around her meant Goa could not accelerate at the required pace. The team finished at 128 for 6, falling short despite Tanisha’s impressive resistance.
After this result, Goa now stand fifth in Elite Group D with one win from three outings. Their upcoming match on November 29 against Jammu and Kashmir offers a timely chance for recovery, especially against a side yet to open its account in the tournament. The team will look to capitalise on this opportunity to regain momentum and strengthen its campaign.
