PORVORIM: Robert Fernandez and Fabid Ahmed hit a century each as Kerala scored 441 all out in the first innings and then reduced Goa to 81 for two on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Group C cricket match, at the GCA Academy ground, here, on Monday.
Resuming at an overnight score of 224 for five, Kerala lost Akshay Kodoth (35) early. But Robert (109) and Fabid (106) played superb knocks, adding 129 runs together for the seventh wicket to take the team past 360-run mark. Robert hit eight fours and a six during his innings that came off 261 balls, Fabid played an aggressive knock off 122 deliveries that included seven sixes and eight fours.
For Goa, Amit Yadav was the most successful bowler, claiming four for 119. P Parmeswaran and Shadab Jakati supported him well, taking two wickets each. In reply, Goa were 81 for two in 32 overs when at close of play with Amogh Desai batting on 38 and Amit Yadav on one. The hosts have an uphill task as they are still trailing by 360 runs with just eight wickets in hands.
Goa have 15 points from six games while Kerala have 12 from five matches. Add to it, Goa haven’t lost a match so far but Kerala have lost one. Goa and Kerala have drawn five and four matches respectively. Goa played well in their previous match against Saurashtra where they declared their second innings on 299 for seven.
Talking of Kerala, they too played well in their last match but that game was against minnows Tripura. They got three points from that game as they took a first innings lead in the encounter.
Brief scores: Kerala 441 (Robert Fernandez 109, Fabid Ahmed 106; Amit Yadav 4 for 119) lead Goa 81 for 2 (Amogh Sunil Desai 38 not out; Karaparambil Monish 1 for 15) by 360 runs.
