Mahesh's decisive spell enables Tamil Nadu to clinch crucial lead

An inspired spell of bowling from mediumpacer Sadagoppan Mahesh (5/57) saw Tamil Nadu snatch a vital, if slender, three run lead in their encounter against Goa. Starting the second day at 44/1 in response to Tamil Nadu's 204 all out, Goa were skittled out for a disappointing 201. Skipper Pravin Amre (66) provided the lone resistance as wicket after wicket tumbled.

Mahesh's first three spells yielded no wickets and read 12-4-21-0. However, Sridharan Sriram mixed his bowlers around well and this proved a good decision at the end of the day. Mahesh's last two spells however, broke the back of the Goa side. His last two spells returned 5/36.

In response, Tamil Nadu added insult to injury, making a thumping 104 for no loss at stumps on day two. Southpaws Sriram and Sadagoppan Ramesh made 29 and 63 respectively as they defied Goa's quest for quick wickets. Ramesh was easily the dominant partner in the session, his runs being scored at a run a ball with 8 boundaries. Sriram's innings on the other hand was a patient one, 29 (55 ball, 2 fours). The pair remained unseparated and lengthened the Tamil Nadu lead to 107.