Prabhudessai Shines, Ankit Dominates with Five Wickets in Ranji Round 7

On a balanced day of cricket in Porvorim on Thursday, Goa’s innings was anchored by contrasting fifties from opener Suyash Prabhudessai and debutant Yash Kasvankar, countering Kerala’s disciplined bowling. As the first day of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Elite Group C match concluded at the Goa Cricket Association Ground, Goa reached a total of 279/8 against Kerala.

Prabhudessai’s gritty 86 off 172 balls was complemented by Kasvankar’s elegant strokeplay, resulting in a 50 from 97 deliveries. Left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma was the standout performer for Kerala, achieving a five-wicket haul through an intense 33.4-over spell.

The day began with Kerala’s fast bowlers Basil N. P. and Nidheesh M. D. keeping the pressure on after Goan captain won the toss. Prabhudessai, alongside his opening partner Kashyap Bakhale, struggled initially, managing only 11 runs in the first seven overs. Ankit’s introduction turned the tide, claiming Bakhale and the in-form Abhinav Tejrana in quick succession.

Prabhudessai endured, benefiting from a vital reprieve when he was caught off a no-ball delivered by Basil. Capitalizing on this fortune, he played some crisp shots, especially excelling with back-foot play, hitting seven out of ten boundaries behind the square.

Despite Kerala’s breakthroughs at the other end, such as Basil dismissing Goa’s captain Snehal Kauthankar and Lalit Yadav, Goa found momentum through Kasvankar’s stylish fifty. However, Kerala rallied in the final session, with Ankit dismissing both Prabhudessai and Kasvankar, and sealing his fifer by removing Arjun Tendulkar on the day’s last ball.

Summary of the scores:
Goa’s 1st innings ended at 279/8 in 83.4 overs. Key contributions were made by Suyash Prabhudessai (86), Yash Kasvankar (50), and Arjun Tendulkar (36). Ankit Sharma shone for Kerala with figures of 33.4-4-88-5.

Published on January 29, 2026.