Vijay Merchant Trophy: Odisha secure first-innings lead as clash with Bihar ends in draw
Gwalior: The Vijay Merchant Trophy U-16 match between Odisha and Bihar ended in a draw, with Odisha earning valuable points after securing a first-innings lead in a keenly contested three-day encounter, here on Saturday.
The final day began with Odisha trailing Bihar by 70 runs, resuming their first innings at 218 for 6. The overnight batters made the most of the morning session, as Odisha went on to post a commanding 322 for 9 before declaring, and taking a 34-run first-innings lead over Bihar’s 288.
Om Prakash Das top-scored with a resolute 81 off 127 balls, while Neil Nitin Mohanty had earlier set the tone with an aggressive 75 off 77 deliveries, which included 14 boundaries. The middle order provided crucial support through Tapan Gupta, who ground out 55 off 162 balls and Aurobinda Muduli, who contributed a patient 51 off 130 balls.
Facing a deficit and with limited time left in the game, Bihar opted for a cautious approach in their second innings, reaching 98 for 3 in 24 overs by stumps. Yash played fluently for his 47 off 54 balls, while Abhinav Sinha remained unbeaten on 21 off 51 deliveries. Odisha bowlers Ashutosh Kumar Naik (1/15) and Sideswar Bag (1/21) picked up one wicket each as the match concluded without a result.
Day two witnessed an engrossing battle between bat and ball. Bihar were bowled out for 288, with Abhinav Sinha once again leading the way with a determined 62 off 164 balls, supported by Yash, who scored 44 off 124 balls. Odisha’s bowling effort was led by Mrutyunjay Das, who returned figures of 4 for 62, while Himnish Sahu claimed 3 for 46.
In reply, Odisha ended the day on 218 for 6, despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Neil Nitin Mohanty starred with a brisk 75 off 77 balls, while Aurobinda Muduli held one end firm with 51 off 130 deliveries. At stumps, Odisha still trailed Bihar by 70 runs, setting up an important final day.
Earlier, the opening day belonged largely to Bihar, who made a steady start after being put in to bat and closed the day at 217 for 6.
Abhinav Sinha laid the foundation with a patient 62 off 164 balls, while Yash added 44 off 124 balls. Odisha’s bowlers kept the scoring in check, with Mrutyunjay Das producing an excellent spell to finish with 4 for 43 and Himnish Sahu providing good support with 2 for 33.
