Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Jharkhand chase down 246 to beat Odisha in thriller

Jamshedpur: Jharkhand pulled off a spirited chase on the final day to defeat Odisha by four wickets in their Ranji Trophy clash at Keenan Stadium, here on Sunday.

Set a target of 246, Jharkhand finished at 249 for 6 to seal the match after being under pressure for most of the contest.

Sharandeep Singh anchored the chase with a patient 64 off 168 balls, scoring five boundaries and holding one end firm. Robin Minz provided the momentum with a fluent 63 from 73 deliveries, which included six fours and a six. The duo ensured Jharkhand stayed on course despite regular breakthroughs.

For Odisha, Sayed Tufail Ahmad fought hard and returned 4 for 101 in 28 overs, while Govinda Poddar chipped in with 2 for 93 in 32.3 overs. However, the bowlers could not prevent Jharkhand from crossing the line.

Earlier in the morning, Odisha were bowled out for 226 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 245 but failing to bat the hosts out of the contest. Subhranshu Senapati once again top-scored with 73 off 145 balls, adding to his first-innings effort and standing out as Odisha’s most consistent batter in the match. Poddar scored 31 off 49 deliveries.

Anukul Roy was the chief architect of Odisha’s collapse, producing a superb spell of 5 for 72 in 38 overs, including 10 maidens. Aditya Singh offered solid support with 4 for 77 in 25 overs.

Odisha had resumed Day 3 strongly and ended it at 202 for 8 in their second innings, leading by 221 runs. Senapati anchored the innings with a patient 73 off 145 balls, hitting five boundaries. He held the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals. Anil Parida supported him with a gritty 28 from 98 deliveries.

Earlier in the day, Jharkhand were bowled out for 263 in 79.1 overs in their first innings. Shikhar Mohan top-scored with an aggressive 80 off 91 balls, hitting 14 fours and a six. Robin Minz added a steady 52 from 72 balls.

Odisha’s bowlers shared the workload effectively. Sayed Tufail Ahmad picked up 4 for 78 in 27 overs, while Govinda Poddar claimed 3 for 71 in 25.1 overs, helping Odisha secure a crucial 19-run first-innings lead.

Day 2: Odisha edge ahead after first innings

Day two saw Odisha bowled out for 282 in their first innings. Swastik Samal played a determined knock of 79 off 168 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes. Govinda Poddar scored 64 from 120 deliveries.

For Jharkhand, Saurabh was impressive with figures of 3 for 43 in 20 overs, while Aditya Singh picked up 3 for 35 in 13 overs.

In reply, Jharkhand finished Day 2 at 244 for 6 in 67 overs, trailing by 38 runs at stumps. Shikhar Mohan once again led the charge with 80 off 91 balls, while Kumar Kushagra made 47 from 103 deliveries.

Sayed Tufail Ahmad claimed 3 for 73 in 21 overs, and Rajesh Mohanty chipped in with 2 for 37 in 12 overs to keep Odisha in control.

Day 1: Solid start by Odisha

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Odisha ended Day 1 at 242 for 6 in 92 overs.

Swastik Samal laid the foundation with a composed 79 off 168 balls, while Govinda Poddar added 64 from 120 deliveries. The pair ensured Odisha built a steady platform despite disciplined bowling from Jharkhand.

Saurabh returned figures of 3 for 34 in 16 overs, and Aditya Singh took 2 for 24 in 11 overs to keep the contest evenly poised at the end of the opening day.