NT Reporter
Sanguem
Madhya Pradesh seized control of their Cooch Behar Under-19 Trophy Elite quarterfinal against Goa by taking a commanding first-innings lead of 157 runs at the end of the second day at the Goa Cricket Association ground in Sanguem.
Replying to Goa’s modest first-innings total of 164, Madhya Pradesh reached 321 for seven in 94 overs at stumps, turning the match decisively in their favour after early jitters.
Resuming the day on 12 for one, Madhya Pradesh were rocked to 42 for five as Goa’s bowlers struck in quick succession, briefly putting the hosts in sight of a vital lead. However, captain Manal Chauhan and wicketkeeper Sparsh Dhakar combined in a defining sixth-wicket stand of 207 runs to halt the slide and swing momentum back to the visitors.
Chauhan fell agonisingly short of a century with a composed 95, while Dhakar went on to play the innings of the match, scoring a fluent 139 to anchor the recovery.
Their partnership not only erased the deficit but also ensured Madhya Pradesh finished the day in a position of strength.
For Goa, Samarth Rane was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of four for 63, while Chigurupati Venkata chipped in with two wickets.
