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Xtra Time Web Desk: Goa's Snehal Kauthankar and Kashyap Bakle etched their names in Ranji Trophy history by scoring sensational triple centuries, forming the highest-ever partnership in the tournament's long-standing legacy. Competing in a Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh, the duo achieved a colossal unbeaten stand of 606 runs for the third wicket. Kauthankar’s 314* off just 215 balls and Bakle’s 300* off 269 balls guided Goa to a mammoth first-innings total of 727/2. This extraordinary feat helped Goa secure a commanding lead of 643 runs, following Arunachal's modest first-innings score of 84.

Kauthankar's innings were notable for their pace and precision. His triple-century, coming off 205 balls, is now the second-fastest by an Indian in First-Class cricket, with his knock featuring an impressive 43 boundaries and four sixes. The record for the fastest Indian triple century remains with Hyderabad's Tanmay Agarwal, who reached the mark in 147 balls last season. Kauthankar's innings also marked a personal milestone, surpassing his previous best of 250, scored just a week ago against Mizoram.

???? Record Alert

Goa batters Kashyap Bakle (300*) & Snehal Kauthankar (314*) have registered the highest-ever partnership in #RanjiTrophy history!

An unbeaten 606 runs for the 3rd wicket in the Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh ????

Scorecard: https://t.co/7pktwKbVeW pic.twitter.com/9vk4U3Aknk

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) November 14, 2024

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Bakle complemented Kauthankar’s aggressive play with a steady and resilient approach. He brought up his triple century off 269 balls, making it the third-fastest triple hundred by an Indian in First-Class cricket. His knock included 39 fours and two sixes, providing a solid foundation for Goa’s monumental score. The partnership's 606 runs also shattered the previous Ranji Trophy record for the highest partnership across any wicket, overtaking the 594-run stand by Maharashtra’s Swapnil Sugale and Ankeet Bawane against Delhi in the 2016-17 season.

This incredible display ranks as the ninth-highest team total in Ranji Trophy history, with Goa's 727/2 becoming the second-highest score in the Plate division, only behind Meghalaya’s 826 against Sikkim in 2018. The Kauthankar-Bakle duo's partnership is now the second-highest in First-Class cricket globally, trailing only the 624-run stand between Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara against South Africa in 2006.

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This historic achievement is also only the second instance in Ranji Trophy history where two batters have scored triple centuries in the same innings. The first occurred in 1989 when Tamil Nadu's WV Raman and Arjun Kripal Singh notched up scores of 313 and 302, respectively, also against Goa. The home crowd at Porvorim witnessed a momentous occasion as both Kauthankar and Bakle reached their milestones with a blend of aggression and skill, setting a benchmark for future generations in Indian cricket.

With this remarkable effort, the Goa batters have not only secured a dominant position in the match but also set new records that will be remembered in the annals of Indian domestic cricket for years to come.