PANAJI
Uttarakhand gained a crucial first-innings lead against Goa in their Elite Group D clash in the Vijay Merchant Trophy Elite (U-16) cricket tournament, being played at the BSP Cricket Stadium in Bhilai.
At stumps on Day 2, Goa were 76 for 2 in 27 overs in their second innings, still trailing by 38 runs.
Uttarakhand declared their first innings at 295 for 9, ensuring they secured the all-important lead. With first-innings points already in Uttarakhand's kitty, Goa will now have to bat resolutely on the third day to avoid defeat. Earlier, Goa were bowled out for 181 in 67.5 overs on the opening day.
Resuming from their overnight score of 107 for 3, Uttarakhand's middle order tightened their grip on the game. Siddharth Tomar top-scored with 51, while Hardik Arora (47) and Aviral Mishra (45) made valuable contributions. Goa skipper Vinit Kamat was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 59. Anurag Bahadur claimed 2 for 58, Sarang Govekar picked 2 for 63, while Shaunak Teli (1/22) and Mrunal Naik (1/59) chipped in with a wicket each.
In their second innings, Goa were given a solid start by openers Sairaj Govekar (34) and Jaden Pereira (25*), who put on 56 runs for the first wicket. Adeep Miskin fell for 11 as the second wicket to fall. At close, Mrunal Naik was unbeaten on 2 alongside Pereira as Goa looked to rebuild on the final day.
