Ranji Trophy Elite: Debutant Kasvankar, Prabhudessai hit fifties to keep Kerala at bay

Suyash Prabhudessai (86) and Yash Kasvankar (50) were the main men for Goa on the opening day.

SCORES
Goa 279/8 in 83.4 overs (Suyash Prabhudessai 86, Kashyap Bakhle 12, Abhinav Tejrana 1, Snehal Kauthankar 29, Lalit Yadav 21, Yash Kasvankar 50, Darshan Misal 22, Arjun Tendulkar 36, Samar Dubhashi 11*; Extras: 11; Nidheesh MD 60-0, Basil NP 55-2, Ankit Sharma 88-5, Sreehari Nair 29-0, Sachin Baby 36-1, Vishnu Vinod 5-0)

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PANAJI
Debutant Yash Kasvankar scored a composed 50, while Suyash Prabhudessai top-scored with 86, as Goa reached 279 for 8 at stumps on the first day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match at the Goa Cricket Association Academy in Porvorim.
The innings was anchored by Prabhudessai, who top-scored with a patient 86 off 172 balls, striking 10 boundaries. He held the innings together after early setbacks, featuring in the day's highest partnership of 60 runs, which provided stability in the middle phase.
Goa had a cautious start, losing Kashyap Bakhle (12) and Abhinav Tejrana (1) early to Ankit Sharma, who troubled the batters with consistent line and length. Captain Snehal Kauthankar attempted to rebuild the innings with a 29 off 50 balls, adding useful runs before falling to Basil N P.
The middle order contributed valuable runs, with all-rounder Lalit Yadav (21) and Kasvankar (50) playing important hands. Kasvankar's composed half-century ensured Goa crossed the 200-run mark, despite wickets falling at regular intervals.
Lower down the order, Arjun Tendulkar played an aggressive knock of 36 from 39 deliveries, hitting five fours and keeping the scoreboard moving. Darshan Misal (22) also chipped in, while wicketkeeper Samar Dubhashi remained unbeaten on 11 at the close of play. Koushik V and Amulya Pandrekar are yet to bat.
On the bowling side, Ankit Sharma was the standout performer, claiming five wickets for 88 runs in 33.4 overs, showing impressive control and stamina. Nedumankuzhy Basil provided strong support, finishing with 2 for 55, while Sachin Baby picked up a wicket.
With two wickets in hand and a solid platform laid, Goa will look to push past the 300-run mark when play resumes on Day 2.