PANAJI
Goa are staring at an imminent defeat against Punjab in the C.K. Nayudu Elite match, with the hosts placed under severe pressure after a dominant display by the visitors.
In reply to Punjab’s massive first-innings total of 533 for 5 declared, Goa were bundled out for a paltry 92 in just 39.4 overs, following which Punjab enforced the follow-on. At stumps, Goa, in their second innings, were 58 for 1 in 31 overs, still trailing by 383 runs, with two days of play remaining in the match being played at the GCA ground, Sanguem.
Punjab resumed their first innings from 435 for 1 and went on to declare at 533 for 5 in 108.2 overs. Harnoor Singh produced a marathon innings of 228*, while Yuvi scored a fluent 112. Mayank Gupta contributed 53, and Rahul Kumar added 30, as Punjab piled on the runs. For Goa, Anuj Yadav picked up two wickets, while Chigurupati Venkata, Samarth Rane, and Manish Kakode claimed one wicket each.
Goa's reply with the bat was a disappointing one as they were skittled out for 92. Aman Dhooper top-scored with 20, while Aryan Narvekar made 18 and Bansil Pandya and Kaushal Hattangadi chipped in with 14 runs each. Punjab's bowlers were relentless, with Delov Kumar Goyal returning impressive figures of 5 for 26 and Harjas Singh Tandon claiming 2 for 29. Havneet Singh also supported well with two wickets, as Goa failed to offer much resistance.
Forced to bat again, Goa showed marginal improvement in their second innings and reached 58 for 1 in 31 overs. Bansil Pandya remained the top scorer with 27, while Rijul Pathak was unbeaten on 11 and Anuj Yadav on 8 at the close of play. For Punjab, Harjas Singh Tandon picked up the lone wicket to fall so far.
With Goa still 383 runs behind and plenty of time left in the match, Punjab remain firmly in control and are well placed to push for an outright victory.
