Team Herald
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PANJIM: Goa suffered an 87-run defeat against the formidable Mumbai side in the Vijay Hazare Elite Cricket Tournament on Wednesday, but not before putting up a determined and spirited fight. Chasing Mumbai’s massive total of 444 for 8 in 50 overs, Goa responded creditably with 357 for 9, showing resilience and intent throughout the contest played at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya ground, in Jaipur.
Goa won the toss and elected to field first, with their bowlers rarely allowing Mumbai’s top order to settle in the early stages. However, Sarfaraz Khan, batting at number four, launched a fierce assault on the Goa bowling. In a spectacular innings of 157 runs off just 75 balls, Sarfaraz struck nine fours and an astonishing 14 sixes to take the game away from the opposition. Wicketkeeper Hardik Tamore, coming in at number seven, added late impetus with a brisk 53 off 28 balls.
For Goa, Darshan Misal emerged as the most successful bowler with three wickets, while V Koushik and Lalit Yadav claimed two wickets each in an otherwise punishing outing.
In reply, Arjun Tendulkar and Kashyap Bakhle opened the innings for Goa. Lalit Yadav went on to score 64 runs and, together with Abhinav, stitched a crucial 117-run partnership for the fifth wicket to keep Goa in contention. Abhinav Tejrana then produced a brilliant knock of 100 off just 70 deliveries, smashing five fours and eight sixes in an aggressive display.
Captain Deepraj Gaonkar added further fireworks with a blistering 70 off just 28 balls, an innings that included four fours and seven sixes. Despite Goa’s valiant batting effort, Mumbai’s bowlers held their nerve, with Shardul Thakur proving the most effective, returning figures of three wickets for 20 runs.
With this defeat, Goa slipped to third place in Group C with 12 points. Goa will next face Uttarakhand on January 3.
