Historic Partnership Puts Odisha in Commanding Position
Cricket fans witnessed an extraordinary display of batting prowess at the KIIT Cricket Stadium in Bhubaneswar as Odisha's Swastik Samal and captain Subhranshu Senapati orchestrated a magnificent 261-run partnership on the third day of their Elite Group A Ranji Trophy match against Nagaland. This stellar performance has positioned Odisha favorably to secure their first outright victory of the current season.
From Precarious Position to Dominance
The hosts had initially struggled in their second innings, finishing the second day at a concerning 16 for 2 at stumps. However, what followed on Tuesday was nothing short of a batting masterclass that completely shifted the momentum in Odisha's favor.
Swastik Samal played a spectacular innings of 169 runs from 195 deliveries, demonstrating his power-hitting ability with 11 fours and six sixes. Captain Subhranshu Senapati provided equally impressive support, scoring 137 runs from 168 balls, including 11 boundaries and four sixes.
Nagaland Bowlers Face Relentless Assault
The duo's aggressive approach put all Nagaland bowlers under tremendous pressure, with each conceding more than four runs per over. The most expensive bowler proved to be Rongsen Jonathan, who despite taking two wickets, ended with figures of 20-0-108-2.
Jonathan eventually broke the formidable partnership seven overs before tea, catching Samal off his own bowling. Senapati continued the charge with support from Govinda Poddar (12) and Sambit Baral (19 not out) before departing five overs after tea, again falling to Jonathan's bowling.
Odisha declared their second innings at 350 for 5 in 71 overs, setting Nagaland a challenging target of 465 runs for victory.
Odisha Bowlers Make Early Inroads
Odisha's bowling attack began strongly in their quest for victory, with Badal Biswal dismissing opener Sedezhalie Rupero for just 4 runs in the ninth over. At stumps on the penultimate day, Nagaland found themselves at 41 for 1 in 18 overs, still requiring 424 runs for an unlikely win.
The visitors have Dega Nischal (17 batting) and Hem Chetri (20 batting) at the crease, having shown resilience against the Odisha bowlers. However, with only one day remaining, the hosts clearly hold the upper hand as play resumes on the final morning.
Brief scores: Odisha 275 & 350 for 5 decl. in 71 overs (Swastik Samal 169, Subhranshu Senapati 137). Nagaland 161 & 41 for 1 in 18 overs. Match to continue.
