Vijay Hazare Trophy: Sagun ton seals it for Goa

CHENNAI: Goa skipper Sagun Kamat's unbeaten 110 was the game-changer for his side as they edged past Gujarat by one wicket in their Group C Vijay Hazare Trophy clash at SSN College ground here on Wednesday. Despite both teams out of reckoning for the knockout stages of the competition, the clash went down to the wire.
In pursuit of Gujarat’s 228, Goa had Sagun to thank as the left-hander — who came in to bat at No 3 — anchored the chase right till the end.Sagun’s 148 ball essay contained 14 fours and a six as Goa overhauled the total with 9 balls to spare. Others to contribute for the winning team was Swapnil Asnodkar (25). For Gujarat, Piyush Chawla (3 for 27) and Kathan Patel (3 for 42).
Earlier in the day, Goa won the toss and chose to field first. Goa bowled a tidy line and never allowed the Gujarat batsmen to run away with it. Darshan Misal (3 for 36), Amogh Desai (2 for 28), Vijesh Prabhudesai (2 for 38) and Amulya Pandrekar (2 for 33) found themselves among wickets. For Gujarat, Bhargav Merai (93, 9x4, 1x6) played a lone hand even as wickets continue to fall at the other end.
It was a memorable day for Goa wicketkeeper Keenan Vaz whose seven victims in the match — six catches and a stumping — equalled the record of Mahesh Rawat and Parthiv Patel in List A matches.
The win meant Gujarat finished the competition with just 4 points to their name while Goa ended on 12. Mumbai and Andhra made the cut for the knockout stages of the tournament.
Brief scores: Gujarat 227 in 49.4 overs (Bhargav Merai 93; Darshan Misal 3-36, Amogh Desai 2-28, Vijesh Prabhudesai 2-38, Amulya Pandrekar 2-33). Goa 228-9 in 48.3 overs (Swapnil Asnodkar 25, Sagun Kamat 110 n.o., Piyush Chawla 3-27, Kathan Patel 3-42). Goa won by one wicket