After false starts, Aditya delivers on big promise

Goa recorded their first win, a comfortable one over Services in a Group D clash of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament in Indore on Wednesday.

Batting first, Services put up a decent 160-7. Goa, riding on Aditya Kaushik's impressive 78, reached the target (163-5) with two balls to spare.

A lot was expected from young Aditya, who had a forgettable season last year. Goa persisted with the youngster and he repaid their faith with a blistering knock which included five fours and three sixes.

Though Goa lost Amogh Desai (5) early, Aditya struck two crucial partnerships with Snehal Kauthankar (19, 14b, 3x4) and captain Amit Verma (42, 27b, 1x4, 1x6).

By the time the 29-year-old fell to right-arm medium pacer Mohit Kumar in the 19th over, Goa had smelt victory.

Mohit took three wickets for 32 in his four overs but failed to keep

Goa batsmen

under check.

Earlier, Goa won the toss for the second consecutive time and had no hesitation in fielding first due to their deep batting line up. Amit also tried seven bowlers to see who could be more useful in the forthcoming crucial ties against Saurashtra, Rajasthan and Vidarbha.

Left-arm orthodox Darshan Misal provided the initial breakthrough by getting Lakhan Singh caught through Deepraj Gaonkar. However, just like the last game, Goa failed to put brakes on scoring as the other opener, Ravi Chauhan, (62, 53b, 9x4) and Rahul Singh (37, 27b, 5x4, 1x6) took Services to 95 in 11 overs.

The bowlers then restricted Services with pacer Lakshay Garg taking two wickets, while Maliksab Sirur (1-17 in three overs) and Deepraj (0-23 in three overs) ensured Services didn't reach the 200-run mark. Pacer Ashoke Dinda also took the crucial wicket of captain Rajat Paliwal to make life easier for batsmen.

Brief scores: Services 160-7 (Ravi Chauhan 62, Rahul Singh 37, Rajat Paliwal 27; Lakshay Garg 2-25) lost to Goa 163-5 in 19.8 overs (Aditya Kaushik 78, Amit Verma 42; Mohit Kumar 3-32).