Mumbai: Odisha returned to winning ways in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 meet on Monday, beating Bihar by 7 wickets.
It was the bowlers, led by top wicket-taker Debabrata Pradhan, who set up the victory at Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy after Bihar decided to bat first.
Pradhan bagged 4/25 and was well supported by Abhishek Yadav (3/20) and Govinda Poddar (2/9) as Bihar were bowled out for 118.
Odisha were reduced to 21/3 as openers Sandeep Pattanaik and Prayash Singh fell inside the fourth over.
However, the experienced pair of Subhranshu Senapati (44 off 43 balls) and skipper Govinda Poddar (50 not out off 46 balls) then put their heads together and guided Odisha to safe shores with a 78-run partnership.
It was the third win in five games for Odisha, who had lost a close game to Services two days ago. Currently fifth in Group B with 12 points, Odisha must win their remaining two fixtures – against Kerala and Chandigarh – to give themselves an outside chance of qualifying for the knockouts.
Brief scores: Bihar 118 in 20 overs (Raghuvendra Singh 34; Debabrata Pradhan 4/25, Abhishek Yadav 3/20, Govinda Poddar 2/9). Odisha 124/3 in 18.5 overs (G Poddar 50*, Subhranshu Senapati 44; Paramjit Singh 2/22).
Result: Odisha won by 7 wickets.
Odisha’s position: 5th in Group B (12 points from 5 matches).
Odisha’s next match: Vs Kerala (Oct 25).
