PANAJI
Hosts Kerala tightened their grip on the match on the second day of the Colonel C K Nayudu Elite Cricket Tournament, asserting clear dominance over the Goa side. After dismissing Goa for 171 in 78.3 overs in their first innings, Kerala reached 37 for 2 in their second innings, taking an overall lead of 121 runs with eight wickets still in hand, at the St Xavier's KCA Cricket Academy in Thiruvananthapuram.
Earlier, after Kerala were bowled out for 255 in their first innings, Goa had an opportunity to take a crucial lead. However, Goa's batting collapsed as well. Batting at number eight, Chigurupati Venkata was the top scorer for Goa with 31 runs, while opener Viraj Naik contributed 29.
Kerala's centurion from the first innings, Shoun Roger, produced an excellent all-round performance by claiming five wickets for 38 runs. JS Anuraj supported him well with three wickets for 43 runs, while Pavan Raj and Kailas Nair picked up one wicket each.
In their second innings, Kerala lost their openers, Akshay and Abhishek Nair, early. Still, Varun Nayanar (18 not out) and Kailas Nair (2 not out) ensured there was no further damage as Kerala extended their advantage.
