PANAJI
Goa asserted complete dominance on the second day of their four-day Cooch Behar Elite (U-19) cricket match against Assam.
Resuming at the overnight score of 218 for 4, the hosts posted an impressive total of 376 all out in 144.3 overs. In reply, Assam were left rattled at 48 for 4 in 28 overs, placing Goa firmly in control at the Bandodkar Ground of Panaji Gymkhana, Campal-Panaji.
Goa began Monday's play with confidence, and Dishank Misquin led from the front. Resuming on 26, he went on to score a splendid 88, the highest for Goa. Displaying remarkable maturity, he faced 208 deliveries and struck 10 boundaries and a six. At a stage when Goa were struggling at 250 for 6, Dishank stitched a crucial 91-run partnership for the seventh wicket with wicketkeeper Sai Naik (45), helping the team rebuild strongly. Dishank fell just short of a well-deserved century. Lower down the order, Shiven Borkar showed grit with an unbeaten 21, further pushing Goa to a strong total.
For Assam, Amit Choudhary took 4 wickets, while Alham Wahid and Mohit Thakur claimed 2 each. Prithviraj Kaishyap added one wicket.
Assam's response faltered right from the start as Samarth Rane delivered two early blows. He first dismissed Tushar Borah for 1, caught behind by Sai Naik, and then bowled Armand Zuffri to leave Assam reeling at 25 for 2. Captain Yash Kasavankar continued the pressure, forcing wicketkeeper Prabal Kalita to edge to Shantanu Nevagi, reducing Assam to 39 for 3. Just before stumps, Mihir Kudalkar sent back the well-set Barunjoti Malakar (31), further tightening Goa's grip on the match.
Goa's bowlers finished the day with impressive figures. Samarth Rane took 2 for 15. He was well accompanied by Yash Kasavankar (1for 13) and Mihir Kudalkar (1 for 0)
With Assam struggling and the follow-on looming, Goa are in a commanding position, dictating terms in this crucial encounter.
