Asnodkar hits career best double ton, Goa declares on 535

Margao, Nov 16 (UNI) Opener Swapnil Asnodkar's career best unbeaten double ton (254) and four fruitful partnerships propelled host Goa to a commanding 535 for 9 declared in 165.4 overs against Railways on the second day of their four-day Ranji Plate 'B' cricket match being played here at MCC ground.

Railways, chasing the huge total, were struggling at 31 for 2 in 13 overs at the close of the day's play with Sanjay Bangar (3) and Harshad Rawal (13) at the crease.

Earlier, Asnodkar, who batted with grit and determination and remained not out on 125 at stumps yesterday, continued the good work today to slam 254 which was studded with 28 fours in 452 balls and 663 minutes of stay. His previous best was 204 against Tripura.

Goa resumed at the overnight score of 279 for 5. The overnight pair of Asnodkar and Sadhab Jakati continued to remain firm and yielded 100 runs for the sixth wicket before Jakati was caught by Amit Pagnis off the bowling of Mushavir Khote on 40 that was laced with five fours. The total score, then, read 347.

After Jakati's exit, Robin D'Souza joined Asnodkar and both added another 91 runs for the seventh wicket before Robin was stumped by Mahesh Rawat off the bowling of Madan Yadav on 40 which included five fours with the score on the board at 438. Saurab Bandekar, in the company of Asnodkar, further consolidated the score by adding another 86 runs for the eighth wicket before Bandekar was bowled by Mushavir Khote on 48 which had eight hits to the fence.

After the fall of Aditya Angle on his individual score of 4, Goa captain declared the inning on a total score of 535 for 9 in 165.4 overs.

Left arm spinner Madan Yadav (4 for 136) and medium pacer Musavir Khote (3 for 76) were the most successful bowlers for Railways.

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