On Thursday, the third day of the Ranji Trophy match between Goa and Karnataka, which took place in this city, Goa put up a valiant fight to stop Karnataka’s advance.
Goa’s score of 321 for eight was achieved because of the disciplined innings of players such as Suyash Prabhudessai (87, 165b, 12×4), Siddhesh Lad (63, 84b, 10×4, 1×6), and skipper Darshan Misal (66 batting, 134b, 9×4, 1×6). On the other hand, the home side is still 282 runs behind Karnataka’s monumental first-innings total of 603 for seven declared.
Shubhang Hegde
The overnight batsmen Sumiran Amonkar and Prabhudessai were dismissed by left-arm spinner Shubhang Hegde, who established himself as a formidable opponent. While wicketkeeper B.R. Sharath could catch Amonkar, Prabhudessai could not get out from the crease in time and was bowled leg-before.
After that, Karnataka had to compete against Lad, who gave off an air of complete self-assurance. He stepped back to create space, trimmed anything too long, and showed the entire face to half-volleys. When Lad and Misal joined forces for a sixth-wicket partnership of 65 runs, Goa made significant headway.
Nikin made a spectacular grab of the ball
The tide turned in favour of Karnataka as a result of Jose’s actions. In order to make the most of an opportunity presented by Lad, who edged an outswinger delivered by bowler Vyshak Vijaykumar, Jose made a quick movement to his right. After that, there were two abrupt exits. Mohit Redkar was taken out by the off-spinner K. Gowtham, while Arjun Tendulkar was dismissed after being caught by Sharath down the leg for a golden duck.
During the evening session, Misal had a trustworthy companion in Tailender Lakshay Garg (20 n.o., 46b, 2×4, 1×6). The two stayed for the last 16.1 overs to conclude the game successfully. Even Lakshay got in on the party by sprinting down the track and hitting Gowtham for a six over the midwicket area.
The officials cautioned the two players, Misal and Garg, for wasting time as the game’s conclusion drew closer. Garg was not allowed to switch his helmet for a cap, and Misal was prevented from having a lengthy conversation with Garg in the midst of the over. Both of these requests were denied. Goa’s first innings was not finished despite Karnataka’s best efforts. Hence the game continued with them in the lead. If the home team maintains the same tenacity on the last day of the match, they can gain a respectable draw.