Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
Goa registered a commanding three-wicket win over Assam in the Men’s Under-23 State ‘A’ Trophy Elite One-Day Tournament, held at the Kotambi Stadium ‘B’ in Vadodara on Tuesday. With this victory, Goa strengthened their position in the Elite ‘B’ Group standings, collecting four points from two matches.
Winning the toss, Goa elected to bowl first and made full use of the conditions. Assam’s innings saw several starts but lacked a defining partnership. Roshan Topno top-scored with 53 runs, while Mayukh Hazarika (37), Sumit Kashyap (32), and Rohit Sen (31) offered useful contributions. Goa’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure, with Anuj Yadav producing a standout performance, taking four wickets for just 22 runs. He received excellent support from Kutbudin Jamadar, who claimed three wickets for 26 runs. Lakhmesh Pawne, Kaustubh Pingulkar, and Manish Kakode chipped in with one wicket each as Assam were bowled out for 215 in 42.4 overs.
Chasing 216, Goa’s innings got off to a steady start before a 102-run partnership between Sanath Nevagi and Chittem Jeevankumar changed the course of the match. Sanath continued his remarkable form, scoring a fluent 85 off 63 balls, laced with nine fours and five sixes. Having narrowly missed a century in the previous match, he once again fell short of the milestone but set up the chase perfectly. Jeevankumar played the anchor role initially before accelerating to 71 off 90 balls, striking six boundaries and two sixes.
Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, Goa maintained composure. Shivendra Bhujbal (14 not out) and Anuj Yadav (2 not out) ensured no further setbacks, guiding Goa to 216 for 7 in 38.5 overs and sealing victory with 67 balls remaining.
With this win, Goa now have four points from two games and continue to look strong in the Elite ‘B’ Group. Their next fixture is against Gujarat at the Motibaug Ground in Vadodara on Thursday, November 13.
