OCA inter-district school cricket tournament: Balasore, Keonjhar register wins

Khordha/Gatirout Patna: Balasore and Keonjhar recorded contrasting victories in the OCA Inter-District School Cricket Tournament 2025–26 (second phase preliminary league), with Balasore sealing a dominant win while Keonjhar edged past Rayagada in a low-scoring thriller.

At the BJB School Ground, Khordha, Balasore put up a commanding batting display against Jagatsinghpur. After being asked to bat first, Balasore posted a formidable 295 for 6 in 47 overs. Omkar Tripathy led the charge with a brilliant 100 off 96 balls, while Roop R Behara added valuable support with 57 off 71 deliveries. For Jagatsinghpur, Rahul Swain picked up 2 wickets for 60 runs.

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In reply, Jagatsinghpur struggled against Balasore’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 147 in 35 overs. Rihan Samal remained unbeaten on 50 off 51 balls, but lacked support from the other end. Balasore bowlers Ritesh Mahalik (3 for 24) and Pratyush Das (3 for 25) shared six wickets between them to help their side secure a 148-run victory. Omkar Tripathy was named the stand-out performer for his century .

Meanwhile, at the Gatirout Patna Ground, Keonjhar emerged victorious in a closely fought encounter against Rayagada. Batting first after Rayagada opted to field, Keonjhar were bowled out for 110 in 21.3 overs, with Shaswat Behera top-scoring with 56 off 58 balls, while Avinaba P Naik chipped in with 14 runs. Rayagada’s bowling was led by Sailada Abhilas, who claimed 5 for 42 and Kumar Kamlesh, who took 3 for 28.

Chasing 111, Rayagada failed to capitalise and were dismissed for 95 in 31.2 overs, despite Swastik Maharana scoring 20 off 50 balls. Keonjhar’s Avinaba P Naik played a crucial all-round role, returning figures of 3 for 19 from nine overs, earning him the stand-out performer award as Keonjhar clinched a 16-run win.