the goan I network
PANAJI
Goa U-19 decision to bat first on winning the toss on a batting beauty backfired where appalling shot selection handed the visitors, Tripura the trump cards on a platter on the opening day of the Cooch Behar Trophy U-19 (2018-19) Rd VII Elite Group C match at Margao Cricket Club on Monday.
Batting first on a placid track, shambolic batsmanship ensured that Goa U-19 collapsed like a pack of cards for a measly 80 in 34.5 overs. Tripura left-arm pacer, Saruk Hossain spearheaded the attack reaping rich dividends by snapping the first three victims with just 5 runs on the board in 4.2 overs.
Yash Porab (0), Rahul Mehta (4) and captain Alam Khan (0) came and went leaving the Yadavs’ Udit and keeper Piyush to restore the calamitous situation. In company of a resistant Udit 11 (80b), Piyush 23(47b, 3x4) played a responsible hand to try and salvage the team out of deep trouble, but the latter fell plumb to slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Parvez Sultan with their fourth-wicket stand putting on 33 runs.
From thereon, there was a regular procession of fall of wickets, until Sachin Mishra down the order came up with a 19-ball 21-run cameo studded with four boundaries to be the last man out for the next best partnership that yielded 24 runs for the tenth wicket with Samit Aryan Mishra who stayed not out on nought. For Andhra, Saruk Hossain stood out with 6-29.
In reply, Tripura replied strongly with 172/3 in 55 overs. At draw of stumps, opener Arup Datta was on a well-made 71 (154b, 10x4) with new man, Sridam Paul yet to get off the mark. Tripura began well with Datta having an attacking partner at the top in captain, Bikram Kumar Das who struck 60 (77b, 10x4) before he became the first man out caught behind by Piyush Yadav off pacer Ruthvik Naik mid-way through the 24th over with a solid opening foundation of 92 runs raised. Babul Dey (14) and Anandh Bhowmik (19) were unable to convert their starts.
Goa employed as many as eight bowlers into the attack with little success as Tripura took stumps with a big lead of 92 runs with intent to bat out the hosts in the game
on Tuesday.
