PANAJI
The Goa U-19 team tightened its grip on the opening day of the Cooch Behar Trophy Elite (four-day match), which began on Monday at the Sanguem Cricket Ground. Uttar Pradesh were bundled out for just 125 runs in 42.4 overs, giving Goa a perfect start. Goa ended Day 1 at 142/3 in 39 overs.
Goa’s bowling attack was led by Mihir Kudalkar, who produced a sensational spell, grabbing 5 wickets for only 10 runs, wrecking the UP batting order. Chigurupati Venkata complemented him superbly with 3 wickets for 32, while captain Yash Kasvankar (1/25) and Shiven Borkar (1/15) added crucial breakthroughs.
For UP, Bhavi Sharma fought a lone battle, scoring 61 runs off 84 balls with 6 fours and a six. Opener Anmol Nushran contributed 34. Interestingly, UP collapsed from a stable 85/2 to 86/4, and the downfall continued as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Goa responded confidently and ended the day 17 runs ahead of UP's total. After losing opener Sarthak Bhike (10) early, Aditya Kota (48) and Shantanu Nevagi (28) stitched together a 45-run stand for the second wicket. Later, Aditya joined captain Yash Kasvankar (52*) for a crucial 67-run partnership, pushing Goa into the lead. Yash's aggressive unbeaten fifty came off just 56 balls, decorated with 6 boundaries and a six.
At stumps, Mihir Kudalkar (0*) was at the crease giving company to his skipper. For Uttar Pradesh, Yash and Aditya chipped in with one wicket each.
On Tuesday, Day Two, Goa will look to stretch its first-innings lead to at least a hundred runs, strengthening its dominant position in the match.
