Goa finished runners-up in the Under-19 Multi-Day Siechem Trophy after Kerala defeated them by 83 runs in the final at the Siechem CAP Ground-2 in Puducherry.
Kerala, after opting to bat, were bowled out for 302 in 83.4 overs. Goa were then dismissed for 219 in 70.5 overs despite a fighting century from Aditya Kota.
Arjun S. Hari laid the foundation for Kerala’s victory with 130 off 192 deliveries, while Jaydev J. Nair chipped in with 36. Goa’s bowling effort was led by Afrid, who returned figures of 4 for 31 from 15.4 overs. Om Khandolkar claimed three wickets, while Mihir Kudalkar picked up two.
Set a target of 303, Goa lost wickets at regular intervals before Aditya Kota mounted a lone resistance. The right-hander scored 107 from 163 balls, striking 10 fours and a six, but found little support from the rest of the batting line-up.
Mihir Kudalkar contributed 37, though no other batter was able to build a meaningful partnership as Kerala tightened their grip on the contest. Thomas Mathew starred with the ball for Kerala, finishing with figures of 5 for 54 to seal the title.
Despite falling short in the final, Goa enjoyed a strong campaign throughout the tournament. They recorded league-stage victories over Kerala and hosts Puducherry, with their only defeat coming against Himachal Pradesh before progressing to the title clash.
Goa’s run to the final, highlighted by Aditya Kota’s century and several disciplined bowling performances during the tournament, saw the team finish as runners-up in the age-group competition.
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