NT Reporter
Panaji
Goa made a composed start to their Cooch Behar Trophy Elite (U-19) four-day clash against Assam, reaching 218 for 4 at stumps on Day 1 at Panaji on Sunday.
After being sent in, the hosts showed patience, structure and maturity across sessions to close the opening day in a position of quiet authority.
Openers Aditya Kota (38) and Sarthak Bhike (32) laid the foundation with a steady 55-run stand before Mohit Thakur found the breakthrough, removing Sarthak. Aditya stitched another important partnership worth 38 with incoming batter Shantanu Nevagi, but fell when Prithwiraj Kaishyap knocked back his stumps.
Shantanu, the anchor through the middle, looked set for a half-century before falling for 49 (129b, 6×4), undone just as he appeared in full command. His 65-run partnership with captain Yash Kasvankar steered Goa into calmer waters, with the skipper bringing stability and intent to the crease. Yash’s well-compiled 60 off 114 balls, featuring three boundaries and a six, underscored his value in the middle order and kept the innings moving forward.
By the close, Dishank Misquin (26*) and Aradhya Goyal (6*) held firm, ensuring Goa carry momentum into Day 2 with six wickets in hand and a platform ready to build upon. For Assam, Mohit Thakur was the standout, finishing with two wickets, while Amit Choudhary and Prithwiraj Kaishyap struck once apiece.
