Cuttack: After nine days of hard-fought matches, the stage is set for the grand finale of the Odisha Pro T20 League (OPTL) 2025.
The Swastik Samal-led Cuttack Panthers will battle against Subhranshu Senapati’s Sambalpur Warriors for the champions’ trophy at Barabati Stadium on Friday evening, weather permitting.
A women’s exhibition match, between Odisha Pink Warriors and Odisha Yellow Strikers, scheduled in the afternoon before the final had to be called off due to wet outfield at the Barabati.
With weather playing spoilsport in some of the matches, including the first semifinal, fingers are crossed for the final. The organisers, players and fans are hoping for dry conditions so that a full 20-overs-a-side game is possible.
In the semifinals, Cuttack Panthers got the better of Puri Titans by 24 runs, while Sambalpur Warriors advanced after their clash against Bhubaneswar Tigers was abandoned due to rain and wet outfield. Sambalpur were declared winners as they finished higher in the league stage (2nd with 14 points) than Bhubaneswar (3rd with 12 points).
In the second semifinal, Cuttack Panthers posted a competitive total of 187/8 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Biplab Samantray top-scored with 48 off 28 deliveries, Sourav Gouda made a brisk 41 off 22 balls, and Abhisek Rout remained unbeaten on a 16-ball 33.
Puri Titans made a promising start in their chase, but despite skipper Sandeep Pattanaik’s 66 off 39 deliveries, lost their way. Biplab Samantray shone again with the ball, claiming 4/19 in 3 overs.
