Goa register their first win in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023

Centurions Snehal Kauthankar and Suyash Prabhudesai along with pace ace Arjun Tendulkar powered Goa to a 232-run win over Nagaland on Friday.

Batting first in their Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Nagaland, Goa posted a humungous 383/6 in 50 overs at Thane’s Dadoji Konddeo Stadium. Kauthankar (114 runs off 118 balls) and Prabhudesai (132* off 81 balls) smashed Nagaland bowlers with ease. In the end Rahul Tripathi showed his class with a 16-ball 36 blitzkrieg. Nagaland’s Chopise Hopongkyu was the most successful bowler for his team with 68/3 in eight overs.

Riding on their captain Rongsen Jonathan’s classic half century, Nagaland fought hard. However, they were bowler out for 151 in 39.1 overs losing the match by 232 runs. Goa’s left arm pace sensation Arjun Tendulkar bowled exceptionally well claiming 30/4 in his 10 overs. Tendulkar made good use of bouncers and length deliveries to yield rich dividends.

After the match, Thanevaibhav spoke to Arjun Tendulkar, Rahul Tripathi, and Suyash Prabhudesai about the match.

A happy Tendulkar said, “We came a week before the start of the tournament and practised on red soil pitches. In Goa, we have black soil pitches, therefore it was important for us to adjust in these conditions. As a new ball bowler, control is of essence. My aim was to take early wickets so that when spinners come to bowl in the middle overs, they get a good platform. As a bowling unit, we decided to hit consistent line and lengths and not allow the batters to score freely.”

Sharing his experience of playing at Dadoji Konddeo Stadium, Tripathi said, “I enjoy playing in Thane. When I was a part of Kolkata Knight Riders, this was our practice ground. So, I think that has helped me. The pitch here is quite sporting as there is something in it for both batters and bowlers.”

Goa’s star batter Prabhudesai reflected on his batting and said, “Our openers gave a good start and it was important for me to continue with the momentum. It was a bit challenging in the beginning but later the ball came nicely onto the bat. I wanted to bat till the end and put up a good score for the team. When I was in the middle, I was communicating with my partner regarding how the pitch would play since I have already played before during the IPL practice sessions.”