Wicket-keeper's fighting 72 gives hosts respectable total on Day 1
the goan I network
PANAJI
A fighting half-century by Keenan Vaz enabled Goa to post 239 runs in the first innings of Ranji Trophy Group D match against leaders Vidarbha at GCA ground, Porvorim, on Friday. Wicket-keeper Keenan scored 72 runs and combined with spinner Amulya Pandrekar (33) for a crucial 77-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
Goa, who are missing regular captain Sagun Kamat for this match as he was ruled out in the morning due to a hamstring injury, under the leadership of Darshan Misal, won the toss and elected to bat. However, wickets fell regularly after the opening stand of 31 runs between Swapnil Asnodkar (28) and Sumiran Amonkar (1). Darshan (22), Prathamesh Gawas (22) and Amogh Desai (12) also got starts, but failed to make them count.
Keenan, who had also scored an important half-century in the last match against Services, came good again, for Goa needed someone to fire to gain some sort of respectability playing at home, having been crushed by Punjab in their previous match at Porvorim. When Goa were tottering at 92/6 at lunch, there was a real danger that the hosts could be shot out well under 150 with Vidarbha spinners Aditya Sarvate, Akshay Wakhare and Karn Sharma in control.
However, Keenan batted resolutely and first got Vedant Naik (21) for company, putting on 47 runs for the seventh wicket, before Amulya came in with a patient knock of 33 runs off 110 deliveries. Keenan's 72 came off 170 balls and comprised 10 boundaries and one sixer, while Amulya registered six hits to the fence. Last-man, Heramb Parab remained unbeaten on 12 runs. Wakhare picked up four-for 50 runs, while Sarvate and Sharma took three and two wickets respectively.
Goa coach Prakash Mayekar praised Keenan and Amulya for their important contribution with the bat, but he was disappointed with specialist batsmen throwing it away after getting starts. "Batsmen should have played with responsibility as it is a good batting surface. I feel they did not play up to their potential, especially, the top-order batsmen," said Mayekar.
Scores
Goa 239 (Keenan Vaz 72; Akshay Wakhare 4-50, Aditya Sarwate 3-54) vs Vidarbha
