Goa vs Uttarakhand Match Preview – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026

Date: Saturday, 3rd January 2026
Time: 03:30 GMT (09:00 AM IST)
Venue: Dr. Ambedkar International Stadium, Goa
Tournament: Vijay Hazare Trophy (Elite Group)

Match Preview

Goa and Uttarakhand are set to face off in an intriguing Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter at the Dr. Ambedkar International Stadium in Goa. With the tournament in full swing and teams vying for a strong position in the group stage, this match is expected to be a competitive and closely contested affair.

Goa, having won the toss and elected to field first, will be looking to exploit the flat and bouncy pitch that favors batters in the middle overs. The decision to bowl first could prove to be a crucial one, especially if the pacers can make early inroads and put pressure on the Uttarakhand batting lineup.

Uttarakhand, on the other hand, will be eager to chase down any total set by Goa and continue their campaign with a win under their belt. Their batting line-up, led by the experienced Jagadeesha Suchith and supported by a potent bowling attack, could be the key to their success.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at Dr. Ambedkar International Stadium is expected to remain flat throughout the game, offering good bounce and carry. While spinners may find it difficult to extract turn, the pacers could play a significant role, especially in the initial and death overs. The batters are likely to find scoring relatively easier in the middle overs, making the top order and death bowlers crucial to the game's outcome.

Key Players to Watch

Goa

• Snehal Kauthankar (7.5 Points) – A key all-rounder with the ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
• Suyash Prabhudessai (7.5 Points) – A consistent performer with the bat, capable of anchoring the innings.
• Lalit Yadav (8 Points) – A dependable wicket-keeper batter who can change the game with a quick cameo.
• Darshan Misal (6.5 Points) – A reliable middle-order batter with a calm approach.

Uttarakhand

• Jagadeesha Suchith (8.5 Points) – A proven performer in domestic cricket, Suchith can be a match-winner with the bat.
• Kamal Singh (9 Points) – The star performer of Uttarakhand, capable of leading the innings.
• Mayank Mishra (7.5 Points) – A versatile all-rounder who can contribute in all departments.
• Akash Madhwal – A potent death-overs bowler who could be the difference in a tight chase.

Strategic Insights

• Toss Impact: Goa's decision to bowl first is in line with the conditions. If the pacers can restrict Uttarakhand to a modest total, it could give Goa a big advantage.
• Top Order Importance: Both teams will rely heavily on their top order to set the platform for a big score or a successful chase.
• Death Overs: The final six overs could be the turning point of the match. Teams with quality death bowlers like Akash Madhwal (Uttarakhand) and Snehal Kauthankar (Goa) will have the upper hand in tight contests.
• All-Rounders: Players with all-round capabilities, such as Jagadeesha Suchith and Lalit Yadav, could play a pivotal role in either side's success.

Dream11 Team Suggestions

Small League Must Picks

• Goa: Lalit Yadav, Darshan Misal
• Uttarakhand: Jagadeesha Suchith, Neeraj Rathour

Grand League Risky Picks

• Goa: Vasuki Koushik, Abhinav Tejrana
• Uttarakhand: Deepesh Nailwal, Abhay Negi

Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions

• Captain: Jagadeesha Suchith (Uttarakhand)
• Vice-Captain: Snehal Kauthankar (Goa) or Mayank Mishra (Uttarakhand)

Injuries and Squad Updates

As of the latest update, there are no injuries reported for either team. Both squads are likely to field their strongest line-ups for this crucial encounter.

Live Score and Match Coverage

You can follow the live score and commentary of the Goa vs Uttarakhand match on platforms like:

• Cricbuzz
• ESPNcricinfo
• Possible11
• Dream11

These platforms also provide real-time updates, player ratings, and head-to-head statistics to help you make informed decisions.

Final Verdict

The match between Goa and Uttarakhand promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams having quality players capable of turning the game in their favor. While Goa's decision to field first could give them an edge, Uttarakhand's strong batting line-up and death-overs bowling could prove decisive. A close contest is expected, and the team that adapts better to the conditions is likely to emerge victorious.
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