Cuttack-A beat Bhubaneswar-B by 51 runs to win OCA U-14 school cricket tournament

Cuttack: Cuttack-A defeated Bhubaneswar-B by 51 runs to clinch the OCA Inter District School Cricket Tournament 2025–26 (U-14) title in the final held at Barabati Stadium, here, on Sunday.

Batting first after Bhubaneswar-B won the toss and opted to field, Cuttack-A posted 190 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Priyanshu Samal anchored the innings with a patient 68 off 106 balls, holding the innings together through the middle overs. For Bhubaneswar-B, Omm P. Nayak was the standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 3 for 39 in his nine overs.

In reply, Bhubaneswar-B were bowled out for 139 in 39.4 overs, falling short by 51 runs. Sibasish Singh led Cuttack-A’s bowling charge with excellent figures of 4 for 26 in 10 overs, including a maiden. M. Jayasurya provided strong support, claiming 3 for 39 in 9.4 overs to seal the win.

With this victory, Cuttack-A emerged champions, while Bhubaneswar-B finished runners-up in the tournament, which was played in the 50-over format and featured 118 matches overall.

A total of 37 teams competed in the preliminary league stage, divided into six groups. The top team from each group, along with the next two best teams across districts, advanced to the knockout stage comprising eight teams, culminating in the final at Barabati Stadium.

Omm Sri S. Sahoo of Angul district was named Player of the Series for his outstanding all-round performance, scoring 427 runs in seven matches and picking up 19 wickets.

The closing ceremony was graced by chief guest Sanjay Raul, former India international cricketer and BCCI match referee. Avijit Paul, secretary of the Odisha Olympic Association, attended as guest of honour. OCA secretary Sanjay Behera, treasurer Bikash Pradhan and several other office bearers and distinguished members were also present on the occasion.