OCA inter-district school cricket tournament: Gajapati, Dhenkanal, Khordha, Puri, Malkangiri and Mayurbhanj register wins

Cuttack/Bhubaneswar: Several close contests and dominant performances marked day one of the third phase of the OCA Inter District School Cricket Tournament 2025–26, played across different venues on Tuesday (Jan 13).

In a high-scoring encounter at Adashpur Ground, Gajapati edged past Jharsuguda by 13 runs. Batting first, Gajapati posted a competitive 265 all out in 42.1 overs, led by James Lima’s 80 off 97 balls and Tanish Mallick’s 56. Jharsuguda fought hard in reply, with Wasil Khan scoring a brilliant 97, but fell short at 252 all out. James Lima also impressed with the ball, returning figures of 3/39 to earn the stand-out performer award.

At Kuranga Sasan Ground, Dhenkanal secured a four-wicket win over Bargarh. Bargarh were bowled out for 118 in 35 overs, struggling against Krushant K Behera’s exceptional spell of 5 for 11. Dhenkanal chased down the target comfortably, reaching 119 for 6 in 27.5 overs, with Yashraj Pattanik contributing 33.

A dominant bowling display helped Khordha register an 81-run victory over Sambalpur-A at BJB School Ground. Khordha posted 191 for 7 in their 50 overs, anchored by Subhaditya Panda’s unbeaten 89. Sambalpur-A were bundled out for 110 in 25.4 overs, with Shibansu R Nayak and Abhksidh Subudhi claiming three wickets each.

At Mula Padia Ground, Puri cruised to an eight-wicket win against Rourkela. Rourkela were dismissed for 126 in 34 overs, as Dibyadarshan Paikaray picked up four wickets. Puri chased the target with ease, reaching 127 for 2 in just 17.5 overs, powered by Sunil Satapathy’s quick 41.

A low-scoring thriller unfolded at SOA Cricket Ground, where Malkangiri stunned KIIT with a 25-run victory. Malkangiri were bowled out for 110, but their bowlers defended the modest total successfully. KIIT collapsed for 85, despite resistance from their bowlers earlier. Sahil Sethy’s impressive 3 for 14 earned him the stand-out performer honour.

In another one-sided match at Gatirout Patna Ground, Mayurbhanj defeated Deogarh by 82 runs. Mayurbhanj scored 195 all out, with Modiras Behera smashing 43 off 21 balls. Deogarh could manage only 113 in reply, as Modiras Behera also chipped in with three wickets to cap a fine all-round performance.