Nagaland need 194 runs on the fourth day against Goa to go top of the table in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group. Goa staged a strong comeback on Day 3 to set a challenging target of 226 for Nagaland. When play ended, Nagaland were 32/1 in their chase, needing 194 more for victory.
In the first innings, Goa were bowled out for 179 in 58.1 overs, with Raja Ranjit Swarnkar claiming 4 wickets for Nagaland. Deepraj Gaonkar led Goa’s effort with an impressive 62 runs off 109 balls.
Goa’s bowlers responded by restricting Nagaland to a modest 147. Jagadeesha Suchith contributed a crucial unbeaten 35 off 81 balls, but Arjun Tendulkar’s 3/27 for Goa played a pivotal role in containing Nagaland.
With a slim 32-run lead, Goa’s batsmen capitalized in their second innings. Rohan Kadam’s composed 59 off 152 balls and Snehal Kauthankar’s crucial 75 formed the backbone of the innings, helping Goa reach a total of 306.
First Innings Summary:
·Goa: 179 all out in 58.1 overs (Deepraj Gaonkar 62, Samar Dubhashi 44; Raja Ranjit Swarnkar 4/58, Nagaho Chishi 2/20, Jagadeesha Suchith 2/38)
·Nagaland: 147 all out in 55 overs (Jagadeesha Suchith 35*; Arjun Tendulkar 3/27, Darshan Misal 1/27)
Second Innings Summary:
·Goa: 306 all out (Snehal Kauthankar 75, Rohan Kadam 59; Rongsen Jonathan 4/64, Jagadeesha Suchith 4/72)
·Nagaland: 32/1, chasing 226 (needs 194 more for victory)
The match began with Goa struggling in their first innings, bowled out for 179 in 58.1 overs. Deepraj Gaonkar’s gritty 62 off 109 balls provided some stability, but Nagaland’s bowling attack, led by Raja Ranjit Swarnkar’s 4/58 and Nagaho Chishi’s 2/20, kept Goa in check.
In response, Nagaland’s batting lineup faltered under Goa’s disciplined bowling, managing only 147 runs. Jagadeesha Suchith’s unbeaten 35 off 81 balls was the highlight of Nagaland’s innings. Goa’s Arjun Tendulkar played a crucial role, taking 3/27, while Darshan Misal added pressure with key breakthroughs.
Goa’s second innings saw a much stronger performance as they stabilized their position. Rohan Kadam anchored the innings with a patient 59 off 152 balls, while Snehal Kauthankar’s composed 75 off 125 balls propelled Goa to a formidable total of 306. The partnership between Kauthankar and Manthan Khutkar (33) helped Goa build a significant lead. Nagaland’s bowlers, especially Jagadeesha Suchith, who claimed 4/72, worked hard to contain Goa, but the visitors set a challenging target.
Nagaland’s second innings began cautiously, reaching 32/1 by the end of Day 3. They need 194 more runs to secure victory on the final day, but with Goa’s strong bowling attack, the task will be far from easy. The outcome of this intense match could have a significant impact on the Plate Group standings, making the final day’s play all the more crucial.