The drawn match against Bengal takes their points tally to 23
Panaji: Goa secured a berth in the knockout stage of the Cooch Behar Trophy Elite Group ‘D’ after holding Bengal to a gritty draw at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground, Kalyani, on Thursday. The result keeps Goa unbeaten with 23 points from four matches — three wins and a draw — and with one league fixture still to play. Goa picked up three points from the draw, while Bengal settled for one.
Bengal, resuming at 185/4, added 70 runs in 12 overs before declaring their second innings at 255/9, setting Goa a challenging 229-run target on a surface aiding the bowlers. Goa, however, showed discipline and application to close at 126/6 in 74.5 overs, ensuring a share of points.
For Goa, Chigurupati Venkata impressed with figures of 3/58, supported by Shiven Borker (2/52) and Mihir Kudalkar (1 wicket), while three Bengal batters fell to run-outs.
In the second innings, skipper Yash Kasvankar anchored the chase with a composed 43 off 98 balls (6 fours), while opener Sarthak Bhike contributed a patient 30 off 130 balls. Though Shantanu Nevagi (1 off 34) and Dishank Misquin (5 off 47) fell after resolute stays, the lower order — Aradhya Goyal (11 off 57)**, Mihir Kudalkar and Sai Naik (2 off 27) — ensured Goa did not crumble under pressure. For Bengal, Rohit Das and Rohit claimed two
wickets apiece.
Goa will play their final Group ‘D’ league match against Chandigarh on December 16. Earlier, Bengal made 325 in their first innings before Goa replied with 352, earning a crucial 27-run lead.
