OCA inter-district school cricket tournament: Cuttack-A, Rourkela and Malkangiri open campaign with wins

Cuttack/Bhubaneswar: The 3rd Phase Preliminary League (Groups C & D) of the OCA Inter-District School Cricket Tournament 2025–26 got underway on Wednesday with competitive encounters played across venues in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

At the DRIEMS Cricket Ground, Cuttack-A began their campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Puri by 117 runs. Batting first, Cuttack-A posted 297 for 4 in 47 overs, riding on a splendid 109 off 117 balls by Priyanshu Samal and a well-crafted 96 off 98 deliveries from Amrutansu Das. In reply, Puri were bowled out for 180 in 44 overs, despite a valiant 93 off 98 balls by Amrit Mohanty. The bowling was led by Anshuman Patanaik (3/23) and Sai Prasad Routray (2/26). Priyanshu Samal was named the stand-out performer.

At the Adashpur Ground, Rourkela registered a dominant nine-wicket victory over Mayurbhanj. Mayurbhanj, after opting to bat, were bundled out for 58 in 26.4 overs, with Yuvraj Singh producing a brilliant all-round display, claiming 5 for 8 from nine overs alongside support from Subhransu Behera (3/21). Rourkela chased down the modest target with ease, reaching 61 for 1 in 14.1 overs, as Yuvraj Singh remained unbeaten on 31 and Lubun Sunyani added an unbeaten 21. Yuvraj Singh was adjudged the stand-out performer.

At the Gatirout Patna Ground, Malkangiri edged past Deogarh by 27 runs. Batting first, Malkangiri were bowled out for 150 in 35.5 overs, with Mohammad R. Basha top-scoring with 41. Deogarh’s chase was anchored by Jyoti Rout’s fighting 50, but disciplined bowling from Sahil Sethy (4/32) and Rajesh Soyam (2/14) ensured Deogarh were restricted to 123 all out in 31.2 overs. Sahil Sethy bagged the stand-out performer award.