The Ranji Trophy Plate Final 2024-25 played between Goa and Nagaland at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima reached an exciting climax on Day 4, with Goa solidifying their dominance through impressive batting and a declaration that has left Nagaland with a daunting target. Goa, having posted a commanding total in their second innings, will now rely on their bowlers to seal the victory. Nagaland, on the other hand, face a monumental challenge in the final day of the contest.
In their second innings, Goa’s batting was nothing short of exceptional. Snehal Kauthankar played a career-defining knock, remaining unbeaten on 202 runs from 374 balls, with 9 boundaries. He was well-supported by Kashyap Bakhale, who contributed 161 runs from 279 balls, featuring 16 fours. Together, they built a massive total of 517/7 declared in 158 overs, giving Goa a lead of 577 runs.
Darshan Misal also chipped in with a valuable 67 runs off 123 balls, adding further depth to the innings.
Nagaland’s Imliwati bowled a marathon 32-over spell, conceding 89 runs at an economy rate of 2.78, while R Jonathan bowled 47 overs, claiming 1 wicket for 162 runs. Suchith J was the standout performer with 4 wickets for 117 runs in 42 overs, maintaining an economy rate of 2.79.
Nagaland, needing 545 runs to win, ended Day 4 at 33/0, with no wickets lost. Nischal Dega provided some early aggression with 20 runs off 20 balls, including 2 boundaries, while Sedezhalie Rupero (13 runs off 40 balls) focused on stabilizing the innings.
With just one day remaining, the match is finely poised. Goa’s bowlers will now look to break through Nagaland’s defences and clinch the title, while Nagaland’s batsmen will need to show immense determination to chase down the mammoth target or at least save the match. The pressure is high, and the final day promises to offer an exciting conclusion to this closely fought encounter.
Scorecard
GOA
Innings-1
276 (104.2 Overs)
Innings-2
517/7 declared (158 Overs)
NAGALAND
Innings-1
216 (66.5 Overs)
Innings-2
33/0 (10 Overs) at stumps on Day 4
Target: 578 Runs
Nagaland need 545 runs to win
Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return ends in disappointment! 😞🏏 Dismissed for just 6 runs—tough day at the crease! 🔥