Kanpur: Odisha earned their first point in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign after drawing against Uttar Pradesh, thanks to a gutsy unbeaten 71 by opener Swastik Samal.
The last session of the fourth and final day of the game was ruled out due to rain at Green Park Stadium here on Monday, helping Odisha’s cause. Day 3 was also restricted to 42 overs due to showers and bad light.
Having conceded a lead of 166 runs, after UP declared their first innings on 409/6 early today, Odisha made a promising start before slumping to 79/3. Aashirwad Swain (23) and Sandeep Pattanaik (5) fell to Shivam Mavi and skipper Subhranshu Senapati (11) was sent back by Kunal Tyagi.
Samal held firm, and found an able ally in experienced Govinda Poddar. The two right-handers defied the UP attack and denied the hosts any further success before play was called off post tea. Samal and Poddar added 72 for the unbroken fourth wicket.
The draw fetched Odisha, who had lost their first match against Baroda, a solitary point, UP pocked 3 points for taking the first-innings lead.
BRIEF SCORES
Odisha first innings: 243
Uttar Pradesh first innings: 409/6 declared
Odisha second innings: 151/3 (Swastik Samal 71 not out, Govinda Poddar 38 not out; Shivam Mavi 2/32).
Result: Match drawn.
Points: Odisha 1, UP 3
Player of the Match: Karan Sharma
Next match: Odisha vs Andhra Pradesh from Nov 1 in Cuttack.