Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa produced one of its finest overseas performances to register a historic five wicket victory over Oman in the second One Day International at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, levelling the three match series 1-1.
The win marked Goa’s first triumph on the Oman tour after suffering defeats in both T20 internationals and the opening ODI. Abhinav Tejrana starred with a sensational century, while Vasuki Koushik’s devastating five wicket spell laid the foundation for the memorable result.
Opting to bat first, Oman made a strong start as Hasanain Ul Wahab and Jeet Shah stitched together a 123 run opening partnership. Shah scored 70 before Tejrana broke the stand, while Wahab went on to make 79. Hammad Mirza added a valuable 51 to push Oman towards a commanding total, but Koushik turned the match around with outstanding pace bowling. He claimed 5 for 44 as Oman were bowled out for 283 in 49.5 overs. Tejrana chipped in with two wickets, while Heramb Parab and Vikash Singh claimed one each.
Goa’s chase could not have begun worse, with Snehal Kauthankar and Manthan Khutkar dismissed without scoring. Captain Suyash Prabhudessai also departed early, leaving the visitors struggling at 30 for 3.
Tejrana then produced a remarkable counterattack, smashing 144 from just 111 deliveries with 12 fours and seven sixes. His fearless stroke play was complemented perfectly by wicketkeeper batter Shivendra Bhujbal, who remained unbeaten on 90. The duo added a match defining 207 runs for the fourth wicket to put Goa firmly in control.
Bhujbal and Darshan Misal, unbeaten on 20, calmly guided Goa to 284 for 4 in 45.5 overs, sealing a memorable five wicket victory and setting up an exciting series decider.
