The Plate Final of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 between Goa and Nagaland began on a competitive note on Thursday at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima. Goa, opting to bat first after winning the toss, endured a challenging yet determined opening day as they reached 258/7 at stumps after 90 overs.
It was a closely fought day marked by a gripping contest between Goa’s batters and Nagaland’s disciplined bowling attack. Early breakthroughs by Nagaland set the tone, but Goa’s middle-order resilience ensured they remained in contention.
Goa’s innings began on a shaky note, losing two early wickets and limping to 33/2 in 21 overs in the morning session.
The visitors then steadied their innings with careful partnerships, going into lunch at 65/2 in 39 overs.
In the afternoon session, Nagaland struck back with controlled bowling, reducing Goa to 121/4 by tea in 70 overs.
The final session saw Nagaland’s bowlers regain momentum, taking crucial wickets to peg Goa back to 258/7 at stumps.
Kashyap Bakhale was the standout performer for Goa. Bakhale played a determined knock of 68* off 148 balls, holding the innings together and ensuring stability in the middle order. Suyash Prabhudessai contributed a fluent 46 off 89 balls, laying a solid foundation at the top. Snehal Kauthankar also added valuable runs with a composed 48 off 108 balls, narrowly missing a half-century.
Nagaland’s bowling attack was led by Jagadeesha Suchith who struck a crucial three-wicket haul in 30 overs for 64 runs, maintaining pressure throughout the day.
Nagaland’s bowlers showed discipline and consistency, ensuring Goa’s run rate remained in check and taking key wickets in crucial moments.
Dip Borah (1/48 in 17 overs), Imliwati Lemtur (1/32 in 16 overs) and Jonathan Rongsen (1/61 in 17 overs) were the other successful bowlers for Nagaland on Day 1.
With Kashyap Bakhale still at the crease, Goa will aim to push their total past 300 on Day 2, while Nagaland will look to wrap up the tail early and take control of the game. The contest remains evenly poised, promising more drama in the next four days. Day 2 will be critical for both teams as they look to gain the upper hand in the final.
Nagaland Squad
- Sedezhalie Rupero
- Dega Nischal
- Hem Chetri
- Chetan Bist (WK)
- Rongsen Jonathan (C)
- Joshua Ozukum
- Hokaito Zhimomi
- Jagadeesha Suchith
- Imliwati Lemtur
- Dip Borah
- Nagaho Chishi
- Chopise Hopongkyu
- Vino G. Zhimomi
- Tahmeed Rahman
- Moakumzuk Tzudir
Goa Squad:
- Rohan Kadam
- Suyash Prabhudessai
- Mohit Redkar
- Snehal Kauthankar
- Krishnamurthy Siddharth
- Kashyap Bakhale
- Heramb Parab
- Darshan Misal (C)
- Samar Shravan Dubhashi (WK)
- Amulya Pandrekar
- Felix Alemao
- Deepraj Gaonkar
- Vikash
- Vijesh Prabhudesai
- Ishaan Gadekar