Tamil Nadu score easy win over Goa

Tamil Nadu registered their first win of the current Ranji One-Day season against Goa at the CPT-India Pistons Ground in Chennai on Wednesday. Recording an easy five wicket win over the unfancied visiting side, Tamil Nadu picked up two points.

On winning the toss, Goa skipper Praveen Amre elected to bat first. However, nothing went right for the visiting side. Losing wickets at alarmingly regular intervals, the Goa side slumped to 81/6. Ironically, it was the boys from Tamil Nadu who helped Goa reach a semblance of respectability. Tanveer Jabbar (34) and Satyajit Medappa (23 not out) made the only noteworthy contributions. Leg spinner WD Balaji Rao (3/12) combined well with offspinner Aashish Kapoor (3/19) and Goa were skittled out for 102 in just 35 overs.

In response to the modest total, the Tamil Nadu batting was unfocussed. JR Madanagopal with 31 was the highest scorer. As wickets fell, a sense of urgency grew. Aashish Kapoor coming in at number seven clouted two sixes and as many fours in a 12 ball 24 and saw Tamil Nadu through to victory with 29 overs to spare.