PANAJI
The Goa boys team secured the runners-up position in the 32nd Junior National Tennis Ball Cricket Championship, held from October 17 to 20, in Sonipat, Haryana. They faced a narrow six-run defeat against Uttar Pradesh in the final.
In the semifinals, Goa triumphed over Maharashtra, who batted first and were bowled out for just 38 runs in 6.3 overs. Tushar Naik took 2 wickets for 10 runs and Akshad Naik claimed 3 for 8. In response, Goa achieved the target for the loss of 5 wickets in 6 overs, with Tushar Naik and Harsh Gala both contributing 10 runs each.
The final saw Uttar Pradesh bat first, scoring 68 runs for 7 wickets in 8 overs. Tushar Naik again shone with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 18 runs, while Akshad Naik took 1 for 22. In reply, Goa managed to score 62, getting all out in 7.1 overs. Grandhar Mahato top-scored for Goa with 16 runs, but ultimately, they fell short, losing by just 6 runs.
On the girls' side, the Goa team finished in third place. In the quarterfinals, Goa defeated Maharashtra, who scored 37 runs for 3 in 6 overs. Goa chased down the target in just 4 overs, with Pratiksha Kerkar leading the scoring with 28 not out.
In the semifinals, Goa faced Jammu & Kashmir, who batted first and scored 47 all out in 5.4 overs. After a strong bowling performance, Goa could only manage 36 in response, resulting in an 11-run defeat.
The championship featured 29 boys' and 24 girls' teams, organised by the Tennis Ball Cricket Association of Haryana in collaboration with the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India. The event was recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India.
The Goa teams received their prizes from the chief guest, Nikhil Madan, MLA of Sonipat, with Monty Lari, Secretary General of TBCFI, and other dignitaries in attendance.
