NT Reporter | Porvorim
Goa, once firm favourites to win after dominating the first three days, were stunned by Madhya Pradesh, who chased down 328 for a thrilling three-wicket victory on the final day of their Ranji Trophy Group B encounter at the GCA Academy ground, Porvorim, on Tuesday.
Resuming at 21 for one, chasing a stiff 328, MP were kept in check through the morning as Goa’s spinners and pacers struck regularly. At 176 for four, the visitors still had a mountain to climb, but Saransh Jain’s calm presence at the crease turned the tide. The right-hander crafted an unbeaten 82 off 132 balls, stitching crucial partnerships with Shubham Sharma (72) and Arshad Khan (25 not out). The pair’s unbroken 65-run stand for the eighth wicket sealed the win, deflating Goa’s hopes after three days of dominance.
Earlier, Goa had gained a 97-run first-innings lead and looked poised for victory, but their bowlers couldn’t sustain pressure on the final day. Spinners Darshan Misal (2/57) and Lalit Yadav (2/70) bowled long spells, while Arjun Tendulkar, Vasuki Koushik, and Mohit Redkar picked one wicket each.
This was Goa’s first defeat of the season after a strong start, and it will sting given their commanding position for most of the match.
