Kolkata: After a thoroughly dominant performance in the last match, Bengal would be riding on confidence when they take on Goa in their last group clash at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Even Goa’s coach Prakash Mayekar admitted, “We are under-dogs here. Bengal is a very strong side, snatching an out-right win against good side like Punjab depicts the character of the side. But we believe in ourselves. We have prepared well and will try our best to play well.In cricket,anything is possible and we will go into the game with a positive mindset.”
The Manoj Tiwary led side would require three more points to make it to the knock-out stages of the tournament. Barring that game against Vidarbha where they were completely outplayed, Bengal has been performing pretty well so far in the domestic season. The openers have come good, scoring big runs followed by the middle-order, which has too been in good touch. Even the lower-order has contributed when required.
On the bowling front, both the pacers and spinners have performed extremely well. Left-arm spinner Pradipta Pramanik, who had a very good game against Punjab would look forward to carry that against bottom placed Goa. Ishan Porel, who was Bengal’s star performer with the ball would miss the match as he would be playing in the U-19 Challenger Trophy. He is likely to be replaced by Sayan Ghosh.
“We are concentrating on our strengths. We will try to execute our plans properly and play to the condition.We are playing well in this season.The youngsters are taking up responsibilities, and doing well under pressure,” said Manoj.
Saying that Ishan’s services would be missed, the skipper also added that there were players who could replace him.
“We will miss Ishan surely. But we have the players who can replace him,” he added.
Goa on the other hand have had a disappointing campaign so far but can spoil Bengal’s party on Saturday and they would carry a positive intent despite having an inexperienced bowling attack.
“We have a very young side.After Shadab Jakati got injured, bowling unit does not have much experience.But we are looking forward to play positively,” said Goa captain Sagun Kamat.
With 20 points in the kitty, Bengal currently is in the second place in Group D with leaders Vidarbha already having qualified.