The third day of the Ranji Trophy Plate Final between Goa and Nagaland at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium saw Goa strengthen their grip on the match with a determined batting performance, the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) said in a press release.

In the morning session, Goa resumed their second innings at 11/0 but faced early pressure, losing two quick wickets to slip to 33/2 in 18 overs. By lunch break, Kashyap Bakhale and Snehal Kauthankar steadied the innings, guiding Goa to 95/3 in 40 overs. The partnership flourished, with Goa reaching 149/3 in 57 overs.

At stumps on Day 3, Bakhale reached a fine unbeaten century (101* off 213), supported by Kauthankar’s solid 78* off 174 balls. Goa ended the day at 284/3, leading by 284 runs with seven wickets in hand.

Early wickets from Nagaho Chishi and Jagadeesha Suchith created opportunities for Nagaland, but the bowlers struggled to break the critical partnership between Bakhale and Kauthankar.

1st Innings Recap

Goa: Posted 276 in their First innings, securing a 60-run lead.

Nagaland: Bowled out for 216 in 66.5 overs

Day 4 Outlook

Goa’s Strategy: With a lead of 284 runs, Goa is expected to build on their advantage, likely aiming for a target beyond 350 before declaring.

Nagaland’s Challenge: Nagaland will need early breakthroughs to limit Goa’s lead. Their batting lineup must display resilience to save the match on a pitch that is becoming increasingly challenging for batters.

As the Ranji Trophy Plate Final enters its fourth day, the stage is set for a decisive day of cricket at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium.