NT Reporter
Panaji
Goa put up an improved performance but suffered a four-wicket defeat against Jharkhand in the Women’s Under-15 One-Day Trophy (Elite) match played at the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Vizag, on
Tuesday.
Electing to bat after winning the toss, Goa posted a competitive 129 for six in the allotted 35 overs, crossing the 100-run mark for the first time in the tournament. Openers Norah D’Souza (30) and Teertha Patnekar (12) laid a steady foundation with a 52-run stand. Wicketkeeper-batter Joya Meer top-scored with a fluent 37, while Shreeshtika Shivarkar chipped in with a useful 25. For Jharkhand, Surbhi Kumari was the most effective bowler, returning figures of two wickets.
In reply, Goa made early inroads as Jharkhand were reduced to 19 for four, putting the chasing side under pressure. However, Aanyaa Verma held the innings together with an unbeaten 69 and found able support from Nandani Kumari (25), the pair adding a decisive 65 runs for the fifth wicket to steer Jharkhand towards the target. Jharkhand eventually reached 130 for six in 34.1 overs.
Goa’s Vidika Sawant impressed with the ball, picking up two wickets for 19 runs in her seven overs. Arya Parab also claimed two wickets, conceding 38 runs, while Shreeshtika Shivarkar and Pooja Kalel accounted for one wicket each.
The defeat marked Goa’s third consecutive setback in the tournament.
