Sports

Goa Tightens Control Over Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy Group B Encounter


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa continued their impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy Group B clash against Madhya Pradesh, tightening their grip on the game at the Goa Cricket Association Academy Ground in Porvorim. After posting 284 in their first innings, Goa’s bowlers struck early and often to leave Madhya Pradesh in deep trouble at 181 for 7 at stumps on the second day.

Resuming from their overnight score of 256 for 8, Goa added valuable runs through Deeparaj Gaonkar, who converted his unbeaten 30 into a composed half-century, scoring 51 before being dismissed. His steady innings helped Goa push their total to 284 before being bowled out. For Madhya Pradesh, off-spinner Saransh Jain was the standout performer with figures of 4 for 78, while left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya supported with 3 for 88. Aryan Pandey, Kuldeep Sen, and captain Shubham Sharma chipped in with a wicket each.

Madhya Pradesh’s reply got off to a disastrous start as Goa’s pace attack, spearheaded by Arjun Tendulkar and Koushik, wreaked havoc. Arjun dismissed Yash Dubey and Himanshu Mantri early, while Koushik removed Harsh Gawali and Harpreet Bhatia in quick succession to leave MP reeling at 38 for 4. The situation worsened when captain Shubham Sharma fell for 16, again to Koushik, reducing the visitors to a precarious 56 for 5.

Rishabh Chouhan and Saransh Jain offered brief resistance with a 54-run stand for the sixth wicket, followed by a 43-run partnership between Jain and Aryan Pandey, which prevented complete collapse. However, Goa’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Koushik finishing as the standout performer, claiming 3 for 33. Arjun Tendulkar backed him effectively with 2 for 34, while Lalit Yadav contributed with 2 for 22.

At stumps on Day 2, Madhya Pradesh trailed Goa’s total by 103 runs with just three wickets in hand. The home side is now poised to claim a crucial first-innings lead as the match heads into the third day, continuing their impressive run in this Ranji Trophy season.

Sports

Ranji Trophy 2025: Goa Fight Back After Early Setbacks Against Madhya Pradesh on Day 1


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

PANAJI: Goa made a solid start to their Ranji Trophy Elite ‘B’ Group match against Madhya Pradesh, finishing the first day at 256 for 8 despite a late collapse at the GCA Academy Ground in Porvorim on Saturday.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Goa’s openers Manthan Khutkar (12) and Abhinav Tejrana (12) failed to convert their starts, leaving the side at an early disadvantage. The innings gained momentum when Suyash Prabhudessai and captain Snehal Kauthankar came together for a composed 87-run partnership for the third wicket, the highest of the innings. Prabhudessai’s fluent 65 and Kauthankar’s steady 41 helped Goa recover from early jitters and build a solid platform.

Lalit Yadav (41) and Darshan Misal (44) also chipped in with important contributions in the middle order, but both missed out on well-deserved half-centuries. Their dismissals triggered a mini-collapse, as Goa slipped from a comfortable 213 for 4 to 256 for 8 by the end of the day’s play. At stumps, Deeparaj Gaonkar remained unbeaten on 30, while wicketkeeper Samar Dubhashi and V. Kaushik were yet to bat.

For Madhya Pradesh, off-spinner Saransh Jain was the standout performer, claiming 4 for 72 with disciplined bowling. Support came from Aryan Pandey, Kumar Kartikeya, Kuldeep Sen, and Shubham Sharma, each taking a wicket to keep the pressure on the hosts. Under the watchful eyes of coach Chandrakant Pandit, the MP bowlers maintained tight lines throughout the day.

Goa will resume play on Sunday aiming to cross the 300-run mark and strengthen their position in the match. With Gaonkar set at the crease, the team will be hoping for valuable contributions from the lower order to build a competitive first-innings total against a strong Madhya Pradesh bowling unit.

Sports

Goa Clinches Dominant Ranji Trophy Victory Over Chandigarh by an Innings and 75 Runs


Goa’s Senior Men’s Ranji Trophy team delivered an emphatic performance in their latest fixture, securing a commanding victory over Chandigarh by an innings and 75 runs at Porvorim. The dominant display saw key contributions from all departments, with standout performances from Lalit Yadav and Darshan Misal.

Lalit Yadav was adjudged Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round contribution. With the ball, Darshan Misal was the hero, claiming a total of eight wickets—three in the first innings and five in the second—effectively dismantling Chandigarh’s batting order.

The team’s morale was high as they celebrated this crucial win alongside Goa Cricket Association (GCA) President Shri Mahesh Dessai, Secretary Shri Tulshidas Shetye, Vice President Paresh Fadte, Joint Secretary Anant Naik, Treasurer Abdul Majid, Head Coach Milap Mewada, and Assistant Coach Doda Ganesh. The presence of GCA leadership at the venue added to the sense of pride and encouragement for the players.

This victory not only boosts Goa’s standing in the Ranji Trophy campaign but also reflects the growing strength and depth of cricketing talent in the state. The team earned seven points from the match, including a bonus point for the outright win.

Goa Cricket now moves forward with momentum and confidence for their upcoming matches in the tournament, aiming to build on this performance and make a strong bid in the domestic season.