Porvorim: In the end, cricket’s glorious uncertainties saw to it that hosts Goa fell short when it mattered the most and Madhya Pradesh secured a battling 3-wicket win to lift themselves from 4th to the top position in Ranji Trophy Elite Group B on Tuesday.
Goa, who had their noses in front on all three days ahead of the all-important final day’s proceedings at GCA Academy ground here, were left heartbroken as all their tactics were thwarted by the determined and professional approach of MP batters.
Saransh Jain was named Player of the Match as he remained unbeaten on 82 (132 balls; 9×4) and most importantly combined with No 9 batter Mohd Arshad Khan (25 not out) to stitch a valuable unfinished partnership of 65 runs for the 8th wicket. That was not his only contribution as the 32-year-old all-rounder had top-scored with 48 runs in the first innings, and picked up 6 wickets for the match.
Resuming at the overnight total of 21/1, MP had to score 307 more to win the match. Goa hoped that they would get help from the track as it had panned out over the previous 3 days where scoring runs freely was a tough ask. Yet, MP looked at ease from the start with positive cricket being dished out by Harsh Gawali (54) and Himanshu Mantri. Although Arjun Tendulkar managed to trap Mantri (22) LBW, MP continued to march ahead with captain Shubham Sharma (72) joining forces with Gawali and the third wicket partnership raising 57 runs before Gawali perished trying to loft the hardworking Darshan Misal (2/57) but couldn’t get past Lalit Yadav at midoff.
If that wicket gave rise to hopes that Goa would somehow get back into the contest, Harpreet Singh Bhatia settled in quickly and played his shots including a sweetly struck sixer over long off of the bowling of Darshan.
Shubham, who cut out all risk in the initial part of his knock, grew in confidence as he spent time at the crease and along with Harpreet (35) put on 70 runs for the 4th wicket.
MP never looked to have been set back despite Goa hanging on by picking wickets, as the incoming batters seemed like playing their natural game. Goa however, looked short on ideas to outsmart their opponents, who are coached by one of the biggest names in Indian coaching circuit Chandrakant Pandit. The former KKR coach shared his thoughts after the crucial victory for his team where he also commended Goa for playing good cricket.
MP are now placed top of Ranji Trophy Elite Group B with 15 points from 4 matches. Karnataka are second with 14 points, while Goa and Maharashtra are tied on 11 points each in third and fourth place respectively.
Scorecard 👉: https://www.bcci.tv/domestic/ranji-trophy-elite-2025-26/match/54?s=08
