A devastating five-wicket haul by young pacer Mihir Kudalkar propelled Goa into a commanding position against Uttar Pradesh on the first day of their U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy pool league match. The action unfolded at the Sanguem Cricket Ground in Goa on Monday, where the hosts seized control after bundling out the visitors for a paltry total.
Kudalkar's Fiery Spell Triggers UP Collapse
Electing to bat first, the Uttar Pradesh innings showed early promise. They reached a seemingly comfortable position at 85 for the loss of just two wickets. Opener Bhavi Sharma anchored the innings with a fighting 61 off 84 deliveries, which included six fours and a six. He built a crucial 56-run partnership for the third wicket with Anmol, who contributed 34 runs.
However, the introduction of Mihir Kudalkar into the attack changed the game's complexion entirely. The Goa pacer produced an aggressive and disciplined spell, bowling with a tight line and length that gave the batsmen no room to free their arms. His intervention triggered a spectacular batting collapse, as Uttar Pradesh lost their last eight wickets for a mere 40 runs. Kudalkar finished with outstanding figures of 5 wickets for just 10 runs, decimating the middle and lower order. He received good support from C. Venkata (3/32) and captain Yash Kasvankar, who chipped in with a wicket each.
Uttar Pradesh were eventually dismissed for a modest 125 in 42.4 overs. Team manager Vinay Kumar later admitted his batsmen, barring Sharma and Anmol, failed to apply themselves, with four batters failing to score.
Goa's Strong Reply Builds Substantial Lead
In response, Goa's innings faced an early hiccup when Sarthak was dismissed leg-before by Yash Panwar for 10. However, Shantanu and Aaditya R K steadied the ship with a 45-run partnership. After Shantanu fell for 28, Aaditya found a reliable partner in skipper Yash Kasvankar.
The pair constructed a vital 67-run stand that guided Goa past Uttar Pradesh's first-innings total. Aaditya was unfortunate to be run out just before stumps for a well-made 48 off 83 balls. At the close of play on Day 1, Goa had reached 142 for the loss of 3 wickets, securing a first-innings lead of 17 runs.
Captain Yash Kasvankar remained unbeaten on a fluent 52 off just 56 balls, hitting six fours and a six. He was joined at the crease by nightwatchman Mihir Kudalkar, the day's bowling hero, setting the stage for Goa to build a massive lead on the second day.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
The match is now firmly in Goa's grasp. Their objective on the second day will be to stretch their lead as much as possible and then press for an outright victory. Uttar Pradesh, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle. Their bowlers will need to stage a dramatic comeback, taking early wickets to restrict Goa's lead and give their batsmen a chance to redeem themselves in the second innings.
Brief Scores:
Uttar Pradesh 1st Innings: 125 all out in 42.4 overs (Bhavi Sharma 61, Anmol 34; Mihir Kudalkar 5/10, C. Venkata 3/32).
Goa 1st Innings: 142/3 in overs (Yash Kasvankar 52*, Aaditya R K 48, Shantanu Negagi 28; Yash Panwar 1/25).
