PORVORIM, Nov. 11 -- Team Herald [emailprotected]

Goa strengthened their chances of win in the Ranji Trophy Group B match by taking a crucial 97-run first-innings lead against Madhya Pradesh at the Goa Cricket Association Academy ground, here, on Monday. Resuming their innings at 181 for 7 on the third day, Madhya Pradesh could add only six more runs before being bowled out for 187 in reply to Goa's first-innings total of 284. Goa's premier fast bowler V Koushik was the star of the innings, claiming five wickets for 34 runs in 19 overs, including six maidens. He dismissed two of the remaining three batters on Monday morning. Arjun Tendulkar and Lalit Yadav provided valuable support, taking two wickets each. In their second innings, Goa b...