Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Skipper Sagun Kamat became the first Goan cricketer to score a triple century as his unbeaten 304 on Friday propelled the team to 606 for six declared against a listless Services in a Ranji Trophy Group C match.
Resuming on his overnight score of 177, the left-hander was at ease even as Snehal Kauthankar departed for 45 with an addition 18 to their last night’s score at the DRIEMS ground in Tangi on the outskirts.
The 33-year-old reached his double century in 301 balls and shared useful stands with Darshan Misal (45) and number eight Shadab Jakati (57 not out) to take the team past 600. The left-hander had little difficulty in negotiating the Services bowling attack. They used as many as nine bowlers on a tough second day outing for them.
The Goan number three batsman hit 39 fours during his knock from 453 balls en-route to the third triple century of the ongoing Ranji season.
Kamat also became eighth Ranji captain to crack a triple, The elite list includes former greats like Vijay Merchant (359 not out) and Sunil Gavaskar (340) among others.
Losing a wicket early, Goa were in big trouble but the partnership between Amonkar and Kamat became the match-saver as it provided the innings with stability and added the crucial runs. His young teammate Sumiran Amonkar cracked a fine century. The 25-year-old opener is looked upon as a fine batsman in the making, and gave ample evidence of his class with his 195-ball 101 runs, which included 14 hits to the fence. At stumps on day two, Services were 39 for one, trailing by 567 runs with nine wickets in hand with Ravi Chauhan (27) and skipper Soumik Chatterjee (8) at the crease.
In a first, the ongoing season has already seen two captains — Kamat and Gugale — notching up triple centuries.
For Services, Diwesh Gurdev Pathania emerged as the highest wicket-taker with 3 wickets, Khalid Ahmad bagged a couple of wickets while Sachidanand Pandey got a solitary wicket, but failed to maintain a good economy.
Chasing the target, Services lost an early wicket as Aanshul Gupta departed for 4.
Brief Scores:
Goa 606 for 6 declared (Sumiran Amonkar 101, Sagun Kamat 304*, Snehal Kauthankar 45, Darshan Misal 45; Gurdev Pathania 3 for 111, Khalid Ahmad 2 for 198) lead by 567 against Services 39/1 (Ravi Chauhan 27*; RR Singh 1 for 23).
A proud moment for me and the team: Sagun
Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Sagun Kamat was delighted on being first Goan cricketer to score triple ton in Ranji Cricket that came against Services at DRIEMS ground, on Friday.
“I’m happy for achieving this feat. It’s a proud moment for me as well the team,” said Sagun Kamat speaking exclusively to Herald.
Kamat also became eighth Ranji captain to crack a triple, The elite list includes former greats like Vijay Merchant (359 not out) and Sunil Gavaskar (340) among others.
“I’m happy to be part of this team (on being the eighth captain to score a ton). But I would be happy if I could take this ahead from here. I’m looking forward for more of such performances,” he said.
When asked about this special feat, Sagun instantly replied, “I just want to be an individual who contributes for the team’s performance.”
“Personal excellence is good but when the team wins and achieves glory, that’s the best feeling,” said Sagun.
The Verem-based cricketer reached his double century in 301 balls and shared useful stands with Darshan (45) and number eight Shadab (57 not out) to take the team past 600.
“The entire team has played well. My teammates have supported me brilliantly at the crease, specially Amonkar, Mishal and Jakati,” he explained.
Goa lost their first two encounters against Jharkhand and Jammu Kashmir respectively, but the Goan skipper has stressed that his team are front-runners in the ongoing match against Services, wherein they can claim their first win.
“We had two bad games in the start. And they didn’t go the way we expected. But we started this match exceptionally well and we are looking forward for the best result and this is the perfect opportunity for us to win our first match of this season,” he said
After posting 606 for the loss of six wickets, Goa declared their first innings play. RR Singh picket up the first wicket for Goa as Services finished the day at 39 for 1.
“The batting line-up has played their part and I hope the bowlers will help us to get us some early wickets. Getting them restricted to mere total will help us in our second innings to build up the target,” he concluded.
