PANAJI
Former India batter Saurabh Tiwary (65*) and 18-year-old keeper-batsman, Kumar Kushagra (60*) forged an unbeaten 129-run association for the fifth wicket as Jharkhand looked on course to post a respectable first innings score in the second round Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match against Goa at the Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur on Tuesday.The home side reached 280-4 at stumps on Day 1 on a two-paced wicket with the odd ball keeping low and conducive to the slow bowlers.
Electing to bat, Jharkhand could have suffered an early jolt with Kumar Deobrat smartly taken by Suyash Prabhudessai at second slip off right-arm medium pacer, Lakshay Garg, who overstepped in the first over. The opening pair of Deobrat and Utkarsh Singh raised an opening stand on 61 runs, when Goa captain and slow left-arm orthodox all-rounder Darshan Misal provided the initial breakthrough. Goa wicketkeeper, Eknath Kerkar took a sharp reflex catch with Deobrat on 30.
From the other end, debutant of the last match, Mohit Redkar continued with his good form with a fine exhibition of variations. The five-for man on Ranji debut, did not have to wait too long to be rewarded for his efforts. Utkarsh (30) was beaten in flight and could only drive the ball to the covers where substitute fielder, Deepraj Gaonkar smartly pouched the catch. With lunch near and Jharkhand 73-2 at the start of the 29th over, the visitors were back in the game.
Jharkhand captain, Virat Singh (on 5) with the talented Kumar Suraj (on 17) waded through the turn in the tide and took their side to lunch at 89-2 in 34 overs.
Post lunch, Goa slow bowlers, Darshan Misal and Mohit Redkar in helpful conditions engaged the Jharkhand batters into a fair contest. As the partnership began to threaten, Goa's captain, Misal brought the downfall of his opposite number, Virat Singh (32) adjudged leg before in the 51st over with Jharkhand now at 137-3.
In walked seasoned campaigner, Saurabh Tiwary who looked to unsettle the rhythm of the Goan slow bowlers from the outset. The ploy worked well for the middle-order batter as the other southpaw, Kumar Suraj provided the able foil to the senior statesman.
Goa right-arm offbreak bowler, Mohit Redkar though had other ideas. Suraj on 48 (99b) became his second casualty out leg before.
With Jharkhand at 151-4 in the 56th over, the game was now even-stevens. In form Tiwary (65*) with the gifted Kushagra (60*) weathered the storm, negating the spin threat and taking their side to stumps with their side in front.
Slow bowlers Darshan Misal and Mohit Redkar picked up two wickets each for Goa.
SCORES
>Jharkhand, 1st innings: 280-4 in 90 overs (Saurabh Tiwary 65*, Kumar Kushagra 60*, Darshan Misal 2-59, Mohit Redkar 2-92)
