Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is in a good position in the Ranji Trophy match against Goa. The hosts were 247 for five at stumps on the first day. Rohan Prem’s performance of 112 not out helped Kerala.
Kerala won the toss and elected to bat in the match at St Xavier’s Ground in Thumpa. Sijomon Joseph led the team in Sanju’s absence. Kerala had a bad start. With 25 runs on the scoreboard, Rohan Kunnummal (20) lost his wicket. Rohan Prem P came to the crease as the third. He added 49 runs with Rahul. However, Kerala smelled danger when Subham Desai dismissed Rahul who scored 31 runs. Sachin Baby, who came to the crease fourth, scored 46 runs, while Shaun George (6), who replaced Sanju, disappointed again. Akshay Chandran (20) also failed to contribute significantly. Sjomon Joseph (two) is at the crease with Rohan. Subham Desai took two wickets for Goa. Despite bowling 14 overs, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun Tendulkar did not get a wicket.
After winning against Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, Kerala was tied against Rajasthan. Kerala tops the table with 13 points. Chhattisgarh and Karnataka also have 13 points each.