Panajim: Maharashtra tightened its grip over Goa on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group B encounter, taking a 97-run first-innings lead with two wickets still in hand at the Gahunje ground in Pune on Friday.
Replying to Goa’s first-innings total of 209, Maharashtra reached 306 for eight in 91 overs by stumps. Resuming the day at 19 without loss, Maharashtra faced early setbacks as Goa struck back with disciplined bowling.
Koushik provided the first breakthrough by dismissing opener Arshin Kulkarni for seven. Arjun Tendulkar then removed the settled Prithvi Shaw for 31, leaving Maharashtra struggling at 43 for two. Before the scoreboard could reach the 100-run mark, Niraj Joshi (23) was sent back, giving Goa a foothold in the contest.
However, Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings with a fluent knock of 66, anchoring the middle order and preventing a collapse. Wicketkeeper-batter Saurabh Nawale played a crucial role thereafter, remaining unbeaten on 95 to steer Maharashtra into a position of advantage.
Even after Goa reduced Maharashtra to 216 for seven, Nawale found able support from Jalaj Saxena (22), with the pair adding a vital 58-run partnership to push the hosts into a strong position.
For Goa, off-spinner Lalit Yadav was the most effective bowler, finishing the day with figures of three wickets for 95 runs. Arjun Tendulkar picked up two wickets for 42 runs, while Koushik, Darshan Misal, and Amulya Pandrekar claimed one wicket each.
With a substantial lead already secured and two wickets remaining, Maharashtra will look to extend their advantage further on the third day, while Goa will aim for quick breakthroughs to stay in the contest.
Brief Scorecard
Goa, First Innings: All out for 209 in 82.1 overs
Maharashtra, First Innings: 306 for 8 in 91 overs
(Prithvi Shaw 31, Arshin Kulkarni 7, Niraj Joshi 23, Ruturaj Gaikwad 66, Ankit Bawne 22, Saurabh Nawale not out 95, Siddharth Mhatre 14, Ramakrishna Ghosh 0, Jalaj Saxena 22, Vicky Ostwal not out 13, Extras 13; Koushik V. 1/41, Arjun Tendulkar 2/42, Darshan Misal 1/52, Amulya Pandrekar 1/57, Lalit Yadav 3/95, Deepraj Gaonkar 0/10)
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