PANAJI
Goa put up a strong fight against Vidarbha in the Dr (Capt) Thimmappiah Memorial Cricket Tournament while chasing a target of 322 runs. However, Goa were bowled out for 294 in 57.4 overs, falling 28 runs short of the target. The four-day match was played at the IAF Ground in Bengaluru.
Goa’s batters adopted an attacking approach in the second innings in an attempt to chase down the target. Opener Suyash Prabhudesai smashed 52 runs off just 36 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Along with Manthan Khutkar (41), he put on 69 runs for the opening wicket in just 9.4 overs. Shivendra Bhujbal then contributed 33, Yash Kasvankar scored 49, while lower-order batter Ruthvik Naik scored 51 off 67 balls to keep Goa’s hopes of victory alive. However, Vidarbha’s bowlers held their nerve in the final stages to secure victory.
Vidarbha, resuming their second innings at 5 for 120 at the end of the third day, declared at 9 for 257 in 57.2 overs, setting Goa a target of 323 runs. Earlier, Vidarbha had scored 393 in their first innings, while Goa were dismissed for 328, giving Vidarbha a first-innings lead of 58 runs.
This was Goa’s second defeat in the tournament. In their opening match, Goa suffered a narrow one-wicket defeat against the KSCA President’s XI. Goa will play their final match of the tournament against Gujarat from September 13 to 16 at the BGS Ground.
