Team Herald
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PORVORIM: Goa made a strong start on Day 1 of Ranji Trophy Elite ‘B’ Group match against Madhya Pradesh, despite being reduced from 213 for 4 to 256 for 8 at stumps at the Goa Cricket Association Academy ground, Porvorim, on Saturday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Goa’s opener Manthan Khutkar (12) and Abhinav Tejrana (12) failed to make an impact. Then, Suyash Prabhudessai (65) and skipper Snehal Kauthankar (41) steadied the innings with an 87-run stand for the third wicket — the highest partnership of the innings.
Lalit Yadav (41) and Darshan Misal (44) both fell short of well-deserved half-centuries, leaving Goa vulnerable.
At close of play, Deeparaj Gaonkar remained unbeaten on 30, with wicketkeeper Samar Dubhashi and V Kaushik yet to bat. Goa will look to add valuable runs on the second morning to reach the 300-run mark.
For Madhya Pradesh, coached by Chandrakant Pandit, off-spinner Saransh Jain was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 for 72. Aryan Pandey, Kumar Kartikeya, Kuldeep Sen and Shubham Sharma chipped in with a wicket each.
Brief score: Goa: 256 for 8 in 84.5 overs (Suyash Prabhudessai 65; Saransh Jain 4/72) vs Madhya Pradesh.
