DIMAPUR, JANUARY 26 (MExN): The fourth day of the Ranji Trophy Plate Final 2024-25 between Goa and Nagaland, held at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Sovima, brought a thrilling display of individual brilliance and tactical cricket. Goa, having already posted a strong first-innings total, continued their dominance. However, Nagaland fought back with resilience, keeping the contest alive heading into the final day.
In Goa’s second innings, Snehal Kauthankar played an outstanding knock, remaining unbeaten on 202 runs from 374 balls, which included 9 boundaries. Kashyap Bakle was equally impressive, contributing a steady 161 runs from 279 deliveries, laced with 16 fours. Darshan Misal added a valuable 67 runs off 123 balls, further solidifying Goa’s position.
Goa’s bowlers also showcased tight bowling in their second innings, with Heramb Parab and Felix Alemao both delivering economical spells. Parab bowled 4 overs, conceding just 19 runs, while Alemao gave away 12 runs in 3 overs. Mohit Redkar also made a minimal impact, giving away only 1 run in his 2 overs.
On the other hand, Nagaland’s batting efforts were led by Nischal D, who played fluently, scoring 20 runs off 20 balls with 2 boundaries. Sedezhalie anchored the innings with a solid 13 runs from 40 balls. Nagaland’s bowlers gave their best effort in the second innings, with Imliwati leading the charge, bowling a marathon spell of 32 overs, conceding just 89 runs at an economy rate of 2.78. R. Jonathan bowled 47 overs, taking 1 wicket for 162 runs, while Suchith J delivered a standout performance, claiming 4 wickets for 117 runs in 42 overs.
As Day 5 looms, Goa, having declared their second innings, will depend on their bowlers to break through Nagaland’s defense.
Col C K Nayudu Trophy: Saurashtra Dominates Day 2
Saurashtra dominated Day 2 of the Col C K Nayudu Trophy match against Nagaland at Sovima Cricket Ground. Their commanding performance included a strong batting display, where they posted a daunting total before declaring their innings.
Nagaland faced a tough challenge in response, struggling against the potency of Saurashtra’s bowling attack.
Saurashtra’s batting was spearheaded by Smitrajsinh, who delivered a scintillating performance with 134 runs off 154 balls, including 11 boundaries and 6 sixes, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 87.01. Raxit Mehta contributed with 129 runs from 164 balls, anchoring the innings. Raj Waghela added a solid 95 runs off 135 balls, forming crucial partnerships throughout. H.S. Kotak’s resilient 118 runs from 229 balls further cemented Saurashtra’s dominance.
Nagaland’s bowlers tried to make inroads, with Neizekho being the standout performer, bowling 28.5 overs and taking 4 wickets for 138 runs. Kelhousilie Zaputou also showed remarkable discipline, delivering 25 overs and conceding 93 runs, effectively containing the flow of runs.
As the match progresses into Day 3, Saurashtra’s commanding centuries from the top order, combined with Maurya Ghoghari’s stellar bowling, set them on course for a comprehensive victory.
