Phew! What a historic day not just for Goa but for the India’s premier domestic tournament, the Ranji Trophy. In their match in Panaji, Goa’s Snehal Kauthankar and Kashyap Bakle created a partnership for the ages by amassing an undefeated 606 runs against Arunachal Pradesh in a batting effort that would be remembered for years to come.
In addition to rewriting the domestic cricket record books, their valiant performance made them the second-highest partnership in first-class cricket history, only surpassed by the historic 624-run partnership between Sri Lankan greats Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara in 2006.
Snehal Kauthankar & Kashyap Bakle: Remember the names
The historic day at Panaji witnessed not just one but two triple centuries, a feat achieved only once before in first-class cricket when WV Raman and Kripal Singh accomplished it for Tamil Nadu against Goa in 1989. Kauthankar, continuing his rich vein of form after a recent 250 against Mizoram, blazed his way to 314 runs, while Bakle, making his first-class debut, remained unbeaten on 300.
The manner of their scoring was equally impressive as the magnitude. Kauthankar’s triple hundred came off just 206 balls, making it the second-fastest first-class triple century by an Indian. His partner Bakle, showing remarkable composure on debut, reached his milestone in 269 balls, securing the third spot on the same list. Remarkably, both these records, along with Tanmay Agarwal’s 147-ball effort, were all set against Arunachal Pradesh in 2024.
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The duo’s masterclass included 84 boundaries and 6 sixes, powering Goa to a mammoth 727/2 declared in just 92 overs – achieving a staggering run rate of 7.90, the highest ever in a first-class innings exceeding 700 runs. This batting exhibition came after an impressive bowling performance by Arjun Tendulkar, who had earlier claimed five wickets to dismiss Arunachal Pradesh for 84 in their first innings.
Ranji records tumbling
Bakle’s performance holds special significance as he joins an elite club of players to score a triple century on first-class debut, with his unbeaten 300 placing him alongside Bihar’s Sakibul Gani, who holds the record with 341 against Mizoram in 2022.
The partnership, lasting 448 balls, began after Goa had lost early wickets, with Ishan departing for 3 and Suyash Prabhudesai contributing a quick 73. What followed was a display of batting dominance rarely witnessed in domestic cricket, as Kauthankar and Bakle systematically dismantled the Arunachal bowling attack. With this, Goa is eyeing a massive win and by a massive win we mean a margin of over 500 runs!
5 Highest partnerships in first-class cricket
| Partnership | Players (Wicket) | Match | Venue | Year |
| 624 | KC Sangakkara and DPMD Jayawardene (3rd Wkt) | Sri Lanka v South Africa | Colombo | 2006 |
| 606* | Snehal Kauthankar and Kashyap Bakle | Goa vs Arunachal Pradesh | Goa | 2024* |
| 594* | SM Gugale and AR Bawne (2nd Wkt) | Maharashtra v Delhi | Mumbai | 2016-17 |
| 580 | Rafatullah Mohmand and Aamer Sajjad (2nd Wkt) | Sui SG Corp v WAPDA | Sheikhupura | 2009-10 |
| 577 | VS Hazare and Gul Mahomed (4th Wkt) | Baroda v Holkar | Baroda | 1946-47 |
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