In a landmark achievement, Jammu and Kashmir cricket team advanced to the final of the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 67 years, defeating Bengal cricket team by six wickets in the semifinal.
Chasing a competitive target set by Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir displayed composure and determination, sealing the victory with a confident batting performance. The win marks a historic milestone for the team, which had last reached the final stage of India’s premier domestic cricket tournament nearly seven decades ago.
The semifinal triumph reflects the steady rise of cricket in the Union Territory, with disciplined bowling and resilient batting paving the way for the memorable result. Players and support staff celebrated the achievement as one of the most significant moments in the region’s cricketing history.
With this victory, Jammu and Kashmir now look ahead to the Ranji Trophy final, carrying momentum and the hopes of their supporters as they aim to script an even greater chapter in their journey.
PANAJI: Aryan Narvekar has been appointed captain of the Goa Under-23 men’s team for their forthcoming Col C.K. Nayudu Trophy match against Punjab, to be played at the GCA Ground, Sanguem, from January 30 to February 2, 2026.
The four-day Elite Group fixture will see Goa face a strong Punjab side on home turf, with the team aiming to make the most of familiar conditions. The selectors have announced a well-balanced squad that blends experienced performers with promising young talent, reflecting Goa’s intent to put up a competitive showing in the prestigious domestic tournament.
The Col C.K. Nayudu Trophy serves as an important platform for emerging cricketers across the country, offering young players valuable exposure in red-ball cricket. Goa will look to build momentum and consistency as the season progresses.
Goa U-23 Squad for Col C.K. Nayudu Trophy Goa vs Punjab
Panaji, January 2026: Snehal Kauthankar has been appointed captain of the Goa senior men’s cricket team for their upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025–26 fixture against Kerala. The four-day match will be played at the GCA Porvorim Ground from January 29 to February 1, 2026.
The home encounter forms part of India’s premier domestic red-ball tournament and will see Goa take on a strong Kerala side. The selection committee has announced a balanced squad that blends experienced players with promising young talent, as the team looks to put up a competitive performance on familiar conditions.
The squad includes established names such as Suyash Prabhudessai, Lalit Yadav, Shubham Tari, Darshan Misal and Arjun Tendulkar, alongside emerging players who will be eager to make an impact at the highest domestic level.
The Goa Cricket Association has extended its best wishes to the team ahead of the crucial Ranji Trophy encounter, expressing confidence in the leadership group and the squad’s ability to deliver a strong showing.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
With the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy scheduled from February 6 to February 28, 2026, Goa’s senior women’s cricket team is entering a demanding domestic season with renewed focus and belief. Under the guidance of head coach Neha Tanwar, the squad is preparing to compete against some of the strongest teams in Indian women’s cricket, including Delhi, Railways, Kerala and Punjab, with all matches set to be played in Ranchi.
Appointed in August 2025, Tanwar brings international and domestic playing experience into her coaching philosophy, which is rooted in preparation, process and mental strength. Since taking charge, she has been encouraged by the discipline, eagerness and raw potential within the Goa squad, noting a healthy mix of youth and experience.
The team’s preparation has followed a structured and process-driven approach, focusing on skill enhancement, fitness, match simulations and scenario-based training. Equal importance has been given to mental conditioning and role clarity, ensuring players are better equipped to handle pressure situations during matches.
According to Tanwar, while Goa’s players are technically capable, the key areas for growth lie in match awareness, consistency and decision-making under pressure. These aspects, she believes, are essential for translating skill into match-winning performances at the national level.
Looking ahead, her immediate goal is to build a fearless and competitive unit that can challenge stronger teams while also identifying players who can form the core of Goa’s women’s team in the years to come. She emphasizes that fitness, discipline and mental resilience are now non-negotiable at the senior level of women’s cricket.
Tanwar has also observed positive developments in women’s cricket in Goa, citing increased participation, better infrastructure and structured pathways as encouraging signs for the future. She credits the Goa Cricket Association for its consistent support, improved facilities and commitment to women’s cricket development.
The recent success of the Indian women’s team on the world stage has further inspired Goa’s players, reinforcing the belief that dreams are achievable regardless of background or geography. As the team prepares to step onto the national stage, Tanwar’s message to aspiring cricketers remains simple yet powerful — believe in yourself, stay disciplined, trust the process and never fear failure.
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.
