THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Goa took firm control of their Ranji Trophy clash against Punjab after a commanding batting display on Day 3 saw them reach 439 for 3 in 107 overs, securing a 114-run lead at stumps.
The Elite Group B match is being played at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
Resuming from 92 without loss, openers Suyash Prabhudessai and Manthan Khutkar laid a solid platform with a mammoth 222-run stand. Prabhudessai scored his seventh first-class century with a patient 149 off 222 balls with 17 boundaries before being run out, while Khutkar ground out 86 off 185 deliveries.
The momentum only grew as Abhinav Tejrana unleashed an attacking innings, smashing 131 off 140 balls with six fours and seven sixes to put Goa firmly on top. It was the left-handed batter's second ton in four innings after he made a smashing debut with a double-century (205) against Chandigarh at Porvorim in the team's campaign opener.
Skipper Snehal Kauthankar (54* off 96 balls) and Lalit Yadav (3*) were unbeaten at the close, guiding the side safely through the final session.
For Punjab, wickets were hard to come by as the bowlers toiled with little reward. Mayank Markande and Ayush Goyal picked up one wicket each, while the rest struggled to contain the flow of runs.
Goa, leading by 114 with seven wickets still in hand, will look to extend their advantage further on Day 4 and push for a decisive result.
BRIEF SCORES
Punjab 325 in 135.4 overs
Goa 439/3 in 107 overs (Suyash Prabhudessai 149, Abhinav Tejrana 131, Manthan Khutkar 86, Snehal Kauthankar 54*) Goa lead by 114 runs
