Tripura bowlers came back strongly to keep their hopes alive for an interesting finish as they bowled out Goa for 177 in their second innings on the penultimate day of the Ranji Trophy Group C match here today.
At draw of stumps, Tripura, who conceded 78-run first innings lead, were batting at 69 for two in their second essay with K B Pawan (33) and Y V Takawale (12) at the crease, chasing a target of 256.
Resuming at an overnight second innings score of eight for no loss, Goa lost three wickets quickly with the score of 41.
Swapnil Asnodkar was the first to go when he was run out for 17. Spinner Acharjee, who bowled economically, then dismissed A S Desai for 16. Sagun Kamat did not last long as Viki Shah cleaned bowled him for five with Goa struggling at 41 for three.
With wickets falling at regular interval, Keenan Vaz, coupled with H H Gadekar (20) to steady the boat for a while before the former fell soon after lunch for a well-made 32.
Thereafter Goa's last batsman -- B A Mangaldas -- who hit four sixes and two fours, added 56 valuable runs for the last wicket with Gadekar to take Goa to 177 before he fell to Mora Singh for 41.
Tripura's Rana Dutta, M B Mora Singh, Sanjay Majumdar and K K Acharjee bowled well to take two wickets each, while Viki Saha took a wicket.
In reply, Tripura lost two quick wickets with Gadekar and A R Yadav claiming wicket apiece.
