Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala lost by seven wickets against Goa in the Ranji Trophy. Kerala’s second innings ended on 200 runs by Goa and they easily chased down the target of 155 runs for the loss of three wickets. Goa’s victory was facilitated by Ishan Gadekar who remained unbeaten with a half-century.
Batting in the second innings, Goa lost Amoga Desai (23) early. Vaishakh Chandran was caught LBW. Suyash Prabhudesai (14) was soon trapped in front of the wicket by captain Sijo Mon Joseph. Goa were 89 for three after Snehal Kauthankar (13) was dropped by Jalaj Sakne in the same manner. However, Ishan Gadekar (67) and SD Lad (33) combined to take Goa to victory without further loss.
Kerala, who resumed batting on the fourth day at 172 for six, were out for 200 runs. The wicket of Jalaj Saxena who scored 34 runs was the first to be lost. Mohit Redkar got the wicket. Kerala smelled danger when Redkar Rohan Prem, who was Kerala’s hope, returned. Rohan’s score was 70 runs.
Kerala’s struggle ended when Vaisakh Chandran (three) was dropped by Darshan Misal and Basil Thampi (zero) by Redkar. NP Basil’s performance (16 not out) took Kerala to 200. Redkar took six wickets for Goa while Subham Desai took two wickets. This is Kerala’s first loss of the season and Goa’s first win.
