Goa face Hyderabad in must-win tie

PANAJI: Goa have set their eyes on a "positive result" against Hyderabad in a do-or-die Ranji Trophy group clash at the Academy ground in Porvorim, starting Saturday.
Bristling with confidence after back-to-back victories against Tripura and Assam, Goa coach Nuwan Zoysa is now hoping they can complete a hat-trick of victories and, hopefully, leapfrog among the contenders for a place in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals.
"The last two results have been encouraging but our slow start has pegged us back. This is an absolute must-win game for us and we are confident of doing just that," said the former Sri Lankan pacer.
Goa's chances of qualification to the next stage of the competition were brightened after grabbing two consecutive victories. Goa are now placed fifth behind Himachal Pradesh (23 points), Maharashtra (19), Kerala (18) and Jammu & Kashmir, but a positive result against Hyderabad will help them make a definite push in the later half of the competition.
"Hyderabad is a hugely-competitive side and will make things difficult for us. What we need is four days of good cricket. We cannot afford to drop our guard," said the Goa coach.
One change is certain for Goa as pacer Saurabh Bandekar steps into the boots of Gaurish Gawas. The rest of the squad will remain unchanged.
Goa's change in fortunes have been made possible due to the efforts of fast bowler Harshad Gadekar and Shadab Jakati. Swapnil Asnodkar and Amogh Desai, at the top of the batting order, have been among the runs as well.
Hyderabad haven't really set the tournament alive, languishing in seventh spot -- from amongst nine teams -- but with quality players like T Suman, Ravi Teja, Akshath Reddy and Hanuma Vihari, the visitors will pose a serious challenge.
Hyderabad, too, need to register an outright victory if they harbour any hopes of progressing to the next stage.