Ranji Trophy Plate Final: Nagaland trail Goa by 71 runs on day 2 at stumps

Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy Plate Final 2024-25 between Goa and Nagaland saw an intense contest unfold at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima. Goa, having resumed their first innings at 258/7, was bowled out for 276 in 104.2 overs. Kashyap Bakhale played a vital role for Goa, remaining unbeaten on 79* off 188 balls. Snehal Kauthankar contributed a steady 63 off 143 balls, including nine boundaries, while Suyash Prabhudessai added 56 off 107 balls with six fours.

Jagadeesha Suchith led the bowling attack for Nagaland, returning with 4/69 in 34 overs, while Imliwati Lemtur claimed 3/38 in 21.2 overs.

In response, Nagaland faced early setbacks as they lost both openers cheaply. Sedezhalie Rupero was dismissed for a duck in the first over, while Dega Nischal fell for just two runs in the third over, both wickets coming from Heramb Parab.

However, Nagaland’s middle order fought back, with Hem Chetri and skipper Jonathan Rongsen stabilizing the innings. Chetri was run out in the 42nd over after contributing 55 off 133 balls, including six fours. Rongsen played a captain’s knock, top-scoring with 86 off 116 balls, hitting 11 boundaries. Joshua Ozukum (13) and wicketkeeper Chetan Bist (17) were the only other notable contributors.

Goa’s bowlers responded well, with Heramb Parab taking 3/26 in 10 overs, while Mohit Redkar finished with 2/69 in 24 overs.

At the end of the day, Nagaland was 205/8 in 62 overs, trailing Goa by 71 runs with Chetan Bist (17) and Nagaho Chishi (6) at the crease.

With Nagaland looking to add crucial runs to their total and Goa aiming to wrap up the innings quickly, the match remains evenly poised heading into Day 3. With both teams in a competitive position, the upcoming days promise exciting cricket in the Ranji Trophy Plate Final 2024-25.

MT