Patidar's blitz takes Madhya Pradesh home

CHENNAI: For the second match in succession, Madhya Pradesh rode Rajat Patidar's blistering knock to cross the line. Just 2 days after having smashed a whirlwind 158 against Tamil Nadu, Patidar hit an unbeaten 124 off just 85 balls to help Madhya Pradesh thrash Goa by eight wickets in their Vijay Hazare Trophy clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Sunday. Patidar's knock, which contained 13 fours and seven towering sixes, had hapless Goa running for cover from the word go.He didn't spare a single bowler and took each one to task.
Chasing a target of 221 set by Goa, Patidar was involved in two major partnerships. He first stitched an 81-run stand with Naman Ojha in 58 balls for the opening wicket before going on to add 98 for the second from 68 deliveries with Rameez Khan (29) that more or less sealed the deal for Madhya Pradesh.
Earlier in the day, Goa were bowled out for a modest total of 220 in 48.3 overs. Swapnil Asnodkar was the top-scorer with 85 which arrived in 96 balls. His knock was studded with 10 fours and a six. For Madhya Pradesh, Sohraab Dhaliwal (3 for 33), Anshul Tripathi (3 for 40) and Ankit Kushwah (2 for 12) led the show with the ball. Goa did start off well with Swapnil and Amogh Desai (39) putting on 98 for the first wicket in 132 balls. But Madhya Pradesh did hit back with regular wickets and ensured they had just 221 to chase.
Brief scores: Goa 220 in 48.3 overs (Swapnil Asnodkar 85, Sohraab Dhaliwal 3-33, Anshul Tripathi 3-40, Ankit Kushwah 2-12). Madhya Pradesh 223-2 in 25.4 overs (Rajat Patidar 124 n.o., Naman Ojha 50). Madhya Pradesh won by eight wickets