Kerala sets 406-run victory target for Goa

Margao, Dec 19 (UNI) A magnificent century by Test discard Sadagopan Ramesh (119) and his 164-run partnership with Robert Fernandes (58) for the third wicket, guided Kerala to a mammoth total of 389 for 8 (declared) against Goa today on the penultimate day of the four-day Ranji Trophy Plate group 'A' match here.

The duo was ably supported by captain ShreeKumar Nair(96).

Goa, chasing a total of 406 for victory in their second inning were 22 for no loss in eight overs at the close of the play. Sagun Kamat (12) and Swapnil Asnodkar (5) were at the crease.

Earlier, Kerala resuming at the overnight score of 41 for no loss, lost two quick wickets of opener S Suresh (15) and Vipin Lal (4), with the team score 51 for 2. But the visitors were never under pressure.

Ramesh Led the charge for Kerala in the second inning along with Robert Feranandes and negotiated the Goa attack with ease. Both exhibited fluent strokes on both sides of the wicket capitalising on some eratic and slopy fielding by the Goans.

The duo added 164 runs for the third wicket before Ramesh was caught behind the wicket by Redkar off Robin D'Souza. His 119 came off 176 balls.

After Ramesh's exit, captain Shreekumar Nair joined Fernandes, who was behind the wicket off Robin D' Souza on 58, which included seven hits to the fence and two sixes and came off 103 balls and 188 minutes.

Then Rohan Prem joined his skipper Nair. Both continued to plunder runs at ease and further added 117 runs for the fifth wicket. Rohan Prem was trapped leg before the wicket by Kolamkar on 38 when the team score was 339.

Nair, who was shaping well lost his cool when he was on 96 and was unlucky to miss his much deserved century by just four runs.

Nair's 96 included 8 four and 2 sixes and came off 118 balls and 118 minutes. Later, Kerala captain declared their second inning at f 389 for 8 in 90.5 overs after gaining an overall lead of 405 runs.

Goa's Robin D' Souza was the most successful bowler for Goa, who claimed four wickets for 44 runs. Anup Kolamkar bagged two wickets canceding 64 runs.

Scores in Brief: First inning: Kerala: 221 Goa: 205 Second inning: Kerala: Sadagopan Ramesh 119, Robert Fernandes 58, Shreekumar Nair 96, Rohan Prem 38, S Suresh 15, Raiphi Gomes 11; Robin D' Souza 4 for 44. Anup Kolamkar 2 for 64.

Goa: 22 for no loss in 8 overs Sagun Kamat not out 12, Swapnil Asnodkar not out 5.

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