Goa beat Nagaland by 362 runs to claim Ranji Trophy Plate Division title

Goa clinched the Ranji Trophy Plate Division title with a resounding 362-run victory over Nagaland at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima, on Monday. Skipper Darshan Misal’s match-winning bowling performance, where he claimed 5 wickets for 48 runs, was complemented by a stellar partnership between Snehal Kauthankar and Kashyap Bakhale, who powered Goa’s second innings to an imposing total.

The match, which was played from January 23 to 27, saw both teams secure promotion to the Elite Division for the 2024-25 season. However, it was Goa who emerged victorious, with their all-round performance proving too much for Nagaland.

Chasing a massive target of 578 on the final day, Nagaland’s batting crumbled under pressure, and they were bowled out for 215, handing Goa a comprehensive win.

Goa had set the tone early, winning the toss and opting to bat first. They posted a total of 276 in their first innings, thanks to half-centuries from Suyash Prabhudessai, Kauthankar, and Bakhale. Despite Goa’s solid start, Nagaland fought back strongly with left-arm spinner Jagadeesha Suchith taking 4 wickets to bowl Goa out. However, Nagaland’s response was less than ideal, losing their first two wickets for just 7 runs.

A 134-run partnership between Hem Chetri and Jonathan Rongsen brought Nagaland back into the contest. But the tide turned when Goa’s Heramb Parab claimed five wickets, triggering a collapse. From a promising 159 for 3, Nagaland was dismissed for 216, giving Goa a 60-run lead.

In a gripping turn of events, Suchith and Nagaho Chishi reduced Goa to 42 for 3 in their second innings, and Nagaland seemed to be in the game. But Kauthankar (202* not out) and Bakhale (161) had other plans, putting on a mammoth 278-run partnership for the fourth wicket to break Nagaland’s resistance. Misal also joined the fray, adding 145 runs for the fifth wicket with Kauthankar, taking Goa’s total to 517 before declaring their innings on Day 4.

Set an enormous target, Nagaland’s chase faltered after a promising 50-run opening stand. Misal struck, and Nagaland was soon reeling at 82 for 5. Though Suchith and Imliwati Lemtur added 59 runs for the sixth wicket, it was only a delay of the inevitable. Nagaland was eventually bowled out for 215, as Goa sealed the Plate Division title.

Kauthankar, who played pivotal roles in both innings with scores of 63 and an unbeaten 202, was named Player of the Match. He was also awarded Player of the Series for his 949 runs in the tournament.