PANAJI
Snehal Kauthankar hit a superb double century as Goa declared their first innings at 555/9 in 142.4 overs. In reply, Mizoram were struggling at 122/6 at end of day 2 of the Ranji Trophy Plate group match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
The highlight of Goa’s innings was undoubtedly the double hundred from Snehal Kauthankar. Snehal posted his highest score of 250 surpassing his previous best of 225 which he had scored against Haryana in 2016. His gigantic knock included 25 boundaries. He faced 342 balls. Infact, this is the third highest individual score by a Goan batsman in first-class cricket after Sagun Kamat’s 304 not out and Swapnil Asnodkar’s 254 not out.
Resuming their overnight score of 322-3, Deepraj Gaonkar’s was the first wicket to go at 55. He added just five more runs to his overnight score.
Skipper Darshan Misal (25) and wicket-keeper Samar Dubhashi (17) got off to a start but could not convert it to a big innings.
On the other end, Snehal Kauthankar was holding the Goa innings. Snehal added 53 runs along with Darshan for the fifth wicket and 50 runs along with Samar for the sixth wicket.
Towards the end, Rahul Mehta hit a quick-fire 48 off 67 balls which included 3 sixes and 3 fours to take Goa's score past 500-run mark. Rahul and Snehal put on a valuable 76 runs stand for the seventh wicket.
Goa declared their innings at 555/9 in 142.4 overs just before tea.
Mizoram gave away 19 runs in extras (No Ball – 2, Bye - 12, Leg Bye – 5).
Replying to Goa’s mammoth total, Mizoram batsmen struggled from the start with their first four batsmen - Lalhriatrenga (16), Marty Lalrinhlua (10), Agni Chopra (1) and Joseph Lalthankhuma (0) - falling for mere 35 runs on the scoreboard.
Goa skipper Darshan Misal and Mohit Redkar did the early damage for Mizoram. While Darshan dismissed the openers Lalhriatrenga and Lalrinhlua, Mohit took the wickets of Chopra and Lalthankhuma.
Wicket-keeper Jehu Anderson then tried to steady the Mizoram innings. Anderson first put on a valuable 37 runs partnership along with Mohit Jangra (25) for the fifth wicket and then added 50 runs for the sixth wicket along with Vikash Kumar (19).
Anderson who hit 3 sixes and 5 fours was batting on 45 off 61 balls at close of play.
For Goa, Darshan Misal (3/33) was once again pick of the bowlers with three wickets. Mohit Redkar (2/43) bagged two wickets while Arjun Tendulkar (1/22) took a wicket.
At stumps, Mizoram were 122/6 in 36.1 overs, still trailing Goa by 433 runs.
Goa looks in complete control of the match and is heading for their fourth consecutive win in their Plate group.
A win over here will seal Goa’s berth in Ranji Elite Group for next season.
Brief Score
Goa (First Innings) – 555/9 declared in 142.4 overs (Snehal Kauthankar 250, Manthan Khutkar 95, Deepraj Gaonkar 55, Rahul Mehta 48, Mohit Jangra 3/167, KC Cariappa 3/172, Moses Ramhlunmawia 2/95, Bobby Zothansanga 1/82)
Mizoram (First Innings) – 122/6 in 36.1 overs (Jehu Anderson 45 not out, Mohit Jangra 25, Vikash Kumar 19, Darshan Misal 3/33, Mohit Redkar 2/43, Arjun Tendulkar 1/22)
