PANAJI
Goa’s junior cricket teams delivered a commanding performance on Day 2 of the All India Inter-Zonal Tennis Ball Cricket Championship in Nagrota Bagwan, Himachal Pradesh, with the girls’ team topping their Super League group and the boys advancing to the semifinals.
In the girls’ third league match, Goa put up an impressive total of 75 for 3 in six overs against Himachal Pradesh. Tanishka Gaude led with an unbeaten 25, while Tanaya Gaude added 20. In reply, Himachal were restricted to 45 for 6, thanks to a strong bowling display led by Antara Naik (2 for 12). Goa won comfortably by 30 runs.
Later in the day, Goa faced Uttar Pradesh in their fourth league encounter. After limiting UP to 48 for 5, Goa chased down the target in 5.4 overs, winning by four wickets. Purva Gaude scored a quick 20, with support from Sandhya Rai (12) and Divya Satarkar (10).
With four straight wins, the Goa girls now lead their group and need just one more victory to secure the championship.
Meanwhile, the Goa junior boys completed their league stage with a 12-run win over Haryana. Batting first, they posted 54 for 5, with Shaunay Naik (15) and Aryan Naik (12) making key contributions. The bowlers then held Haryana to 42 for 6, led by Pundalik Bhamaikar’s 2 for 13.
Both Goa teams remain unbeaten heading into the final rounds. The remaining matches are scheduled for June 2.
