PANAJI
Goa continued their impressive run at the 30th Sub-Junior National Tennis Ball Cricket Championship, with the girls' team storming into the final and the boys' team advancing to the semi-finals after dominant performances on Day 3 of the tournament being held in Dausa, Rajasthan.
In the girls’ league stage, Goa first took on Kerala, who were restricted to just 22 runs in 6 overs thanks to disciplined bowling by Ayushi Shrivastav (1/8), Sandhya Rai (1/3), and Purva Gawde (1/6). Goa chased down the target in just 2.5 overs with Purva (10)* and Tanisha Velip (9)* sealing a 7-wicket win.
Their next league fixture saw Goa post 56/2 in 6 overs against Telangana, riding on useful contributions from *Antara Naik (15), *Sonali Velingkar (12), Purva Gawde (12), and Teja Velip (10). Goa then restricted Telangana to 28/4, with Tanisha Velip (2/8), Ayushi (1/6), and Sandhya (1/10) doing the damage, handing Goa a 28-run win.
In the quarterfinal, Goa took on Pondicherry, who posted 42 in 6 overs. Goa chased the target in 4.2 overs, with Purva Gawde (15)* and Tanisha Velip (16)* leading their side to a 7-wicket victory.
The semi-final against Chhattisgarh saw Goa continue their dominance, restricting the opposition to 37 runs. Purva Gawde (20)* and Rakhi Giri (10)* chased down the target in 3.5 overs, ensuring an 8-wicket win and a well-deserved place in the final.
Meanwhile, the Goa boys’ team also progressed in style. In the pre-quarterfinal against Haryana, Goa restricted them to 39/6 with Tanay Gawas (3/6) and Sarmit Beg (1/13) leading the bowling charge. Goa responded with 40/2 in 5.4 overs, with contributions from Avnish Naik (17), *Usman Karol (12), and *Tanay (6), sealing a 6-wicket win.
In the quarterfinal against Vidarbha, Goa again bowled first and held them to 35/5. Usman Karol (3/3) and Pundalik Bhamaikar (1/11) were the standout bowlers. Chasing 36, Goa reached 37/3, powered by Usman (16)* and *Joshua Godlikar (10)**, winning the match by 5 wickets.
With the girls now set for the title clash and the boys preparing for their semifinal, Goa's young cricketers have made a strong statement at the national level.
