Goa show grit in first innings with C Venkata scoring a fine 97
Kalyani: Bengal began their second innings with an aggressive intent on Day 3 of the Cooch Behar Trophy Elite clash against Goa at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, reaching 185/4 in 31 overs. Captain Chandrahas Dash led the attack with a rapid 65 off 65 balls, while Atmaja Mondal contributed 39 runs and Abhiprai Biswas remained unbeaten on 34. Despite the brisk scoring, Goa’s bowlers made timely breakthroughs to prevent Bengal from seizing control, with Shiven Borkar claiming 2/52 and Mihir Kudalkar 1/42.
However, the focus of the day was Goa’s resilient batting effort in the first innings, which earned them a vital 27-run lead over Bengal. After being put in to bat, Goa reached 352 all out in 113.3 overs, chasing Bengal’s 325. Resuming from an overnight 201/6, the Goan side showcased remarkable depth and composure. Chigurupati Venkata narrowly missed out on a century, scoring a brilliant 97 off 177 balls, including 12 boundaries. He was ably supported by Aradhya Goyal, who contributed 54 off 132 balls, as the pair added a crucial 94-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Off-spinner Mihir Kudalkar played a key role with the bat as well, scoring 51 off 109 balls and stitching a vital 102-run eighth-wicket stand with Venkata, helping Goa surpass Bengal’s total. The visitors’ bowling had been met with resistance from Rohit Das, who took 4 wickets, while Rohit and Sachin Yadav picked up 2 each. Shivam Bharti and Agastya Shukla claimed one wicket apiece.
Goa’s first-innings lead gives them a significant advantage, earning potential first-innings points in case of a draw.
