PANAJI
Goa suffered a crushing 243-run defeat at the hands of Kerala in the Colonel C.K. Nayudu Trophy Elite four-day cricket match played at the St. Xavier's KCA Cricket Academy Ground, Thiruvananthapuram.
Set a challenging target of 364 runs for victory, Goa were bundled out for just 120 in 47.3 overs in their second innings. Only ShaAntanu Nevagi (25) and Yash Kasvankar (22) offered some resistance, while the rest of the batting line-up failed to cope with the Kerala bowling.
Kerala's Kailas Nair delivered a devastating spell, returning figures of 5 for 21 to dismantle the Goa batting order. He was well supported by J.S. Anuraj (2 for 29), Pavan Raj (1 for 23) and Shoun Roger (1 for 24).
Goa had resumed the fourth and final day at 63 for 3 in 27 overs, still needing 301 runs for an improbable victory. However, the innings folded quickly as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Earlier in the match, Kerala had posted 255 in their first innings, to which Goa replied with 171. Kerala then consolidated their advantage with a strong second innings total of 279, setting Goa a daunting target in excess of 360 runs.
Goa will play their final league match against Jammu and Kashmir, beginning on February 13.
BRIEF SCORES
Kerala, first innings: all out 255
Goa, first innings: all out 171
Kerala, second innings: all out 279
Goa, second innings: all out 120 in 47.3 overs (from 63 for 3; Shaantanu Nevagi 25, Samarth Rane 3, Dishank Misquin 7, Mihir Gawde 1, Anuj Yadav 13, Chigurupati Venkata 9, Nityay Kunkolienkar not out 12, Kaustubh Pingulkar 0, Extras 10; Kailas Nair 5 for 21, J.S. Anuraj 2 for 29, Pavan Raj 1 for 23, Shoun Roger 1 for 24).
