PANAJI
Goa produced a resilient batting performance in their second innings to hold Maharashtra to a draw in the senior men's multi-day practice match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association's (MCA) International Stadium in Gahunje, Pune.
Despite conceding a massive first-innings lead of 324 runs, Goa's batters showed determination to deny Maharashtra victory. Captain Abhinav Tejrana led the fightback with an unbeaten century, while Manthan Khutkar contributed an unbeaten half-century as Goa finished at 193 for one in 44 overs in their second innings.
Electing to bowl after winning the toss, Maharashtra restricted Goa to 261 in the first innings. Shivendra Bhujbal top-scored with 64, while Yash Kasvankar scored 58. Maharashtra's Hitesh Walunj and Rajvardhan Hangargekar claimed two wickets apiece.
Maharashtra responded with a commanding batting display, piling up 585 for seven in 125 overs before declaring. Captain Prithvi Shaw hammered 241 off 295 balls, striking 34 boundaries and two sixes. Ankit Bawane scored a fluent 131, while S.S. Nawale added 77 to put Maharashtra firmly in control. For Goa, Shubham Tari was the most successful bowler, claiming four wickets for 101 runs.
Facing a daunting deficit, Goa displayed considerable resolve in their second innings. Tejrana anchored the innings with an unbeaten 103, while Khutkar remained not out on 61. Suyash Prabhudessai contributed 24 as Goa lost just one wicket, frustrating Maharashtra's attempts to secure an outright victory.
Rajvardhan Hangargekar claimed the only wicket to fall in Goa's second innings, but Maharashtra could not make further inroads before the match ended in a draw.
Brief Scorecard
Goa, 1st innings: 261 all out in 77.4 overs (Shivendra Bhujbal 64, Yash Kasvankar 58; Hitesh Walunj 2/43, Rajvardhan Hangargekar 2/63).
Maharashtra, 1st innings: 585/7 declared in 125 overs (Prithvi Shaw 241, Ankit Bawane 131, S.S. Nawale Not Out 77; Shubham Tari 4/101, Amulya Pandrekar 1/95, Darshan Misal 1/97).
Goa, 2nd innings: 193/1 in 44 overs (Abhinav Tejrana 103 not out, Manthan Khutkar 61 not out, Suyash Prabhudessai 24; Rajvardhan Hangargekar 1/10).
