PANAJI
Goa suffered a comprehensive nine-wicket defeat against Andhra in the Under-23 Women's Elite One-Day Tournament, as the latter comfortably chased down a modest target of 139 runs in just 28 overs while losing only one wicket. The match was played at the Maharana Pratap College Ground in Dehradun.
Opting to bat first, Goa endured a cautious start to their innings. Openers Harshita Yadav (15) and Urvashi Govekar (11) were dismissed early, leaving the side under pressure. Captain Tanaya Naik and wicketkeeper Tanisha Gaikwad then steadied the innings with a vital 75-run partnership for the third wicket. Tanaya anchored the innings with a patient 34 off 64 deliveries, striking four boundaries, while Tanisha top-scored with a composed 47 from 77 balls, which included seven fours.
However, Goa's momentum faltered soon after the pair's dismissal. The middle and lower order failed to capitalise on the platform, with Presha Naik (8), Swarali Kasar (1), Palak (0), Pooja Kalel (3), and Metali Gawandar (0) falling cheaply. As a result, Goa were bowled out for 138 in 43.2 overs. Andhra's bowling attack was led by Vishnu Priya, who produced an impressive spell of 4 for 27 in her 10 overs, while B. Anusha provided excellent support with figures of 2 for 12.
In response, Andhra's batters approached the chase with confidence and control. Opener G. Udvitha set the tone with a fluent 57 off 64 balls, striking seven boundaries. She shared a commanding 104-run opening partnership with K. Mahanthi Sree, who remained unbeaten on 62. After Udvitha's dismissal, Mahanthi Sree and Setu Sai (not out 11) calmly guided Andhra to the target, sealing victory with ease.
Harshita Yadav claimed the lone wicket for Goa, conceding 17 runs in her three-over spell. The remaining bowlers, however, struggled to contain the Andhra batters or apply sustained pressure.
With this defeat, Goa will now look to bounce back in their fifth and final league match against Delhi, scheduled for March 11.
BRIEF SCORES
Goa - 138 all out in 43.2 overs (Harshita Yadav 15, Urvashi Govekar 11, Tanaya Naik 34, Tanisha Gaikwad 47, Presha Naik 8, Swarali Kasar 1, Palak Arondekar 0, Pooja Kalel 3, Metali Gawandar 0, Nirmiti Khanvilkar 7, Vidika Sawant not out 0, Extras 12; Vishnu Priya 4/27, B. Anusha 2/12, Tarini Joshi 1/24, Shristi Sekhar 1/39) lost to Andhra - 139/1 in 28 overs (G. Udvitha 57, Mahanthi Sree not out 62, Setu Sai not out 11, Extras 9; Harshita Yadav 1/17).
