Tag: Deepraj Gaonkar

Sports

Lalit Yadav’s Century, Deepraj Gaonkar’s All-Round Show Power Goa Past Himachal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa registered their second consecutive victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite tournament with a hard-fought 8-run win over Himachal Pradesh at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur. The match showcased a fine blend of composure and aggression, highlighted by Lalit Yadav’s century and captain Deepraj Gaonkar’s impactful all-round display.

Batting first after Himachal Pradesh opted to bowl, Goa found themselves in early trouble as their top order collapsed to 33 for 3 within the first ten overs. Lalit Yadav and Suyash Prabhudesai then steadied the innings with a vital 90-run partnership, bringing calm to the Goa dressing room. Suyash played a responsible knock of 51 off 63 balls, striking five boundaries before falling at a crucial stage.

Goa slipped again after the quick dismissal of Darshan Misal, but skipper Deepraj Gaonkar turned the momentum with a counter-attacking innings. Batting at number seven, he smashed 71 runs off just 48 balls, finding the boundary regularly and lifting the run rate in the latter half of the innings. At the other end, Lalit Yadav anchored the innings with a composed century, scoring 104 off 126 deliveries. A late cameo from Rajashekhar Harikant helped Goa reach a competitive total of 285 for 9.

Chasing 286, Himachal Pradesh began steadily with a 58-run opening stand, but Goa struck back quickly to reduce them to 60 for 3. The dismissal of captain Mridul Suroch soon after left Himachal struggling. Pukhraj Mann then mounted a remarkable fightback, playing a lone hand of 126 off 119 balls, keeping the chase alive with controlled aggression.

Just as Himachal threatened to snatch the game, Deepraj Gaonkar delivered with the ball, dismissing Mann in the 46th over to complete a five-wicket haul. Despite some resistance from the lower order, Himachal Pradesh were bowled out for 277 in 49.3 overs, falling agonisingly short.

The victory underlined Goa’s growing confidence in the tournament, with contributions coming from key players at crucial moments. Goa will next face Sikkim on December 29, aiming to extend their winning streak.

Sports

Goa Beat Bihar by 5 Wickets in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite T20 Thriller

allycaralgoa

Kolkata: Goa secured a confident and clinical five-wicket victory over Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite T20 clash held at the Salt Lake JU Second Campus, Kolkata. Chasing a competitive target of 181, Goa displayed composure and strong batting depth to finish the game with just one ball remaining.

Earlier, Bihar posted a solid total of 180/7 in 20 overs. S. Agni anchored the innings with a well-crafted 60 off 41 balls, stabilizing the middle order. Vaibhav Suryavanshi injected momentum with a brisk 46 from 25 balls, while Akash Raj contributed a steady 40 off 31 deliveries.

Goa’s bowling unit showed good discipline, with Deepraj Gaonkar leading the attack, claiming 4 wickets for 38 runs. Arjun Tendulkar supported well with figures of 2/32, ensuring Bihar didn’t run away with a bigger total.

In response, Goa’s chase was powered by a brilliant match-winning knock from Suyash S. Prabhudessai, who scored a blazing 79 off 46 balls. His aggressive yet controlled innings laid the foundation for the chase. Kashyap Bakle added crucial support with a composed 64 off 49 deliveries, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

With the match heading toward a tight finish, Lalit Yadav held his nerve to score an unbeaten 21 off 12 balls, guiding Goa to 184/5 in 19.5 overs. Suyash Prabhudessai was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

The victory boosts Goa’s momentum in the tournament as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures with confidence.