Bhubaneswar: After the heartbreak of losing their Vijay Hazare Trophy opener against Saurashtra despite Swastik Samal’s double century, Odisha ended on the right side of the scoreline against Services on Friday.
This time, in a low-scoring thriller, Odisha eked out a 4-wicket win at the KSCA Ground (3) in Alur, Karnataka to open their account in Group D. Odisha next face Andhra Pradesh on December 29.
Opting to field first after Biplab Samantray won the toss, Odisha skittled out Services for a paltry 83 in a mere 21.5 overs. On a pitch assisting the quick bowlers, medium-pacer Rajesh Mohanty and seam-bowling allrounder Sambit Baral shared 8 wickets, while Badal Biswal bagged one and last man Nitin Yadav was run out.
Services, tottering at 35/7 in the 12th over, wouldn’t have crossed 50 had it not been for tailender Poonam Poonia’s cameo. Going in to bat at No. 9 the fast bowler used the long handle to make the top score of 25 off 18 balls, with 2 fours and 2 sixes.
Chasing a seemingly simple target, Odisha made a disastrous start, losing the openers in the first two overs. Sambit, the double-centurion two days ago, fell without scoring to the third ball of the innings and Om Munde made 1.
Sandeep Pattanaik applied himself to anchor the chase, remaining not out on a patient and mature 32 even as wickets fell at the other end. Poonia bagged 4 wickets and his new-ball partner Nitin Yadav accounted for 2 batters.
BRIEF SCORES
Services 83 all out in 21.5 overs (PS Poonia 25; Rajesh Mohanty 4/25, Sambit Baral 4/21).
Odisha 84/6 in 24.3 overs (Sandeep Pattanaik 32 not out; PS Poonia 4/27).
Result: Odisha won by 4 wickets.
Points: Odisha 4, Services 0.
Next match: Odisha vs Andhra (Dec 29, Alur).
