NT Reporter
Panaji
Goa’s strong batting effort went in vain as they suffered a 19-run defeat to Kerala via the DLS method in the 42nd All India Uttarakhand Gold Cup 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Goa piled up an imposing 375/7 in their 50 overs with Abhinav Tejrana leading the charge with a brilliant 134. Mohit Redkar remained unbeaten on 59, while Deepraj Gaonkar added a fluent 50. Valuable contributions from Manthan Khutkar (44) and Lalit Yadav (39) further strengthened Goa’s innings.
Kerala bowlers Shoun Roger and Fanoos Faiz picked up two wickets each but struggled to contain the flow of runs as Goa dominated the first innings.
Rain interruptions later reduced Kerala’s chase to 46 overs with a revised target of 332 under the DLS method. Kerala responded aggressively, powered by a magnificent 158 from Mohammed Azharuddin, who anchored the innings with authority.
Krishna Prasad chipped in with 66, while useful knocks from Shoun Roger, Ahammed Imran and Abhishek kept Kerala ahead of the required rate throughout the chase.
Goa’s bowlers fought hard, with V Koushik and Darshan Misal claiming two wickets each, but Kerala eventually reached 350/5 in 46 overs to seal victory.
