Cuttack: Sundargarh has long been a nursery of Odisha and Indian hockey.
Now, Odisha’s second-largest district is excelling in cricket, too.
The Kalahandi Cup 2025 provided ample evidence as Sundargarh beat Cuttack A to emerge champions in the senior men’s inter-district cricket championship.
In a low-scoring final on Wednesday, Sundargarh won by 4 wickets at the Barabati Stadium to earn a prize money of Rs 2 lakh. The runner-up team received Rs 1 lakh.
Opting to bat first, Cuttack A were dismissed for 132 in 45.2 overs. Sahil Prasad was the most successful bowler, claiming 3/17, and was adjudged Player of the Final.
Sundargarh were tested by Biswajit Mohapatra (4/42), but overhauled the target in the 32nd over. Soumya Lenka top-scored with 33.
Cuttack collector & district magistrate Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde was the chief guest, while Odisha Olympic Association president Samir Mohanty and Odisha Olympic Association secretary Avijit Paul were the guests of honour at the prize-distribution ceremony.
The tournament, which commenced on March 18, featured 38 teams which were divided into 6 groups. The group toppers, along with the two best-performing second-placed teams qualified for the quarterfinals.
