Goa, Jan 6: India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill marked his return to competitive cricket as Punjab made a strong start against Goa in their Elite Group C match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 at the KL Saini Ground here on Tuesday.
Punjab won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends as Goa lost early wickets and slipped to 68 for 3 before the end of the powerplay. The match assumes significance with Punjab topping the Group C standings, where another win could seal their progression to the knockout stage.
Gill, playing his first Vijay Hazare Trophy match of the season after missing the previous fixture due to food poisoning, was the major focus heading into the contest. His anticipated face-off against Goa pacer Arjun Tendulkar, however, was short-lived, as Tendulkar was dismissed for just one run off eight balls in the second over.
Punjab’s bowlers, led by Sukhdeep Bajwa, kept the pressure on early. Goa were reduced to 20 for 2 inside four overs, losing both openers cheaply. Bajwa accounted for key breakthroughs, setting the tone for Punjab’s disciplined bowling effort.
Suyash Prabhudessai offered some resistance for Goa, scoring a brisk 31 off 27 balls as he attempted to stabilise the innings alongside the middle order. Despite his efforts, Punjab maintained control through the powerplay.
Punjab entered the match on the back of a commanding 10-wicket victory over Sikkim in their previous outing, where Arshdeep Singh starred with figures of 5 for 34, and skipper Prabhsimran Singh smashed an unbeaten 53 off just 26 balls. Arshdeep was once again in the spotlight, forming a potent pace attack alongside Bajwa.
Goa, meanwhile, were looking to bounce back after suffering a seven-wicket defeat against Uttarakhand, a match in which they had posted a competitive total of 270 but failed to defend it.
With Gill back in the XI and early wickets in hand, Punjab looked well placed to extend their dominance in Group C as the contest progressed.
