Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Goa and Chhattisgarh settled for a draw as bad light stopped the play of the final day with a three overs to go in the Group D Ranji Trophy match played at Goa Cricket Association ground, Porvorim, on Monday.
Goa survived a major scare and took home one point after securing a nervous draw.
Goa were behind the eight-ball after the Chhattisgarh posted 458. The hosts started the final day on 223 for 4. They lost six wickets in 25 overs for just 59 runs in the morning session.
Chhattisgarh, who had a first innings lead of 176, had no hesitations to enforce the follow-on. Goa, trying to draw the game, were reduced to 38 for 3 in the post-lunch session. A 50 partnership Sumiran Amonkar and Darshan Wagha Misal ensured that they went to tea with no further damage.
Amonkar held his ground and notched up his second 50 of the match. His dismissal provided an opening for Chhattisgarh and they picked three wickets for just 17 runs.
Goa were reeling at 142 for 7, still 34 runs adrift. That’s when Amit Yadav and Shadab Jakati batted for 80 balls and thereby denied a victory for Chhattisgarh. Sumit Ruikar, who scalped 10 wickets in the match, was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors, who had to be content with three points.
