Goa made a promising start against Bihar in their Elite Group A Ranji Trophy encounter, reaching 288 for six at stumps on the opening day at the Panaji Gymkhana ground, Campal, on Monday. Experienced batter Snehal Kauthankar led Goa’s recovery with a brilliant unbeaten century after the hosts suffered an early collapse.
Kauthankar, who recently celebrated his 31st birthday, struck his 11th first-class century, remaining unbeaten on 116 off the back of a determined batting effort. His innings included 12 boundaries and helped Goa recover from a difficult position.
Goa won the toss and elected to bat but got off to a disastrous start. Openers Suyash Prabhudessai (4) and Manthan Khutkar (1) returned to the pavilion inside the first six overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Shivendra Bhujbal (7) and all-rounder Lalit Yadav (19) also failed to make significant contributions as Goa slipped to 54 for four in 23.4 overs.
Captain Abhinav Tejrana then joined Kauthankar to steady the innings. The duo displayed determination and counter-attacking intent, putting together a crucial 99-run partnership. Tejrana scored a valuable 73 with 8 boundaries in his knock, before being dismissed.
Kauthankar continued to anchor the innings and subsequently added 73 runs for the sixth wicket with all-rounder Yash Kasvankar (28). After Kasvankar’s dismissal, experienced all-rounder Darshan Misal joined Kauthankar at the crease.
The pair remained unbeaten at stumps, adding an unbroken 62-run stand for the seventh wicket. Misal was unbeaten on 24, while Kauthankar continued on 116 as Goa finished the day in a position of strength at 288 for six in 87 overs.
Goa made one change to their playing XI from the previous match, bringing in Heramb Parab in place of Shubham Tari.
SCORECARD
Goa – First Innings: Suyash Prabhudessai c Suraj Kashyap b Vasudev Prasad Singh 4, Manthan Khutkar c Bipin Saurabh b Vasudev Pratap Singh 1, Shivendra Bhujbal c Ayush Loharuka b Suraj Kashyap 7, Abhinav Tejrana c Sakibul Gani b Khalid Alam 73, Lalit Yadav lbw b Suraj Kashyap 19, Snehal Kauthankar not out 116, Yash Kasvankar c Suraj Kashyap b Suman Kumar 28, Darshan Misal not out 24, Extras 16; Total: 288/6 in 87 overs.
Bowling: Amod Yadav 14-2-35-0, Vasudev Prasad Singh 15-4-37-2, Akash Raj 8-2-30-0, Suraj Kashyap 20.3-2-54-2, Suman Kumar 14-1-54-1, Khalid Alam 15-1-61-1, Mangal Mahrour 0.3-0-0-0.
