OCA U-16 inter-district super league: Ajay Mahato picks seven wickets in Sundargarh’s win

Cuttack: The OCA U-16 Inter District Cricket Tournament 2025 Super League witnessed competitive cricket across venues, with three matches being decided on first-innings leads. Cuttack-A, Sundargarh and the two Rest of Odisha sides – A and B – emerged stronger in their respective encounters.

Cuttack-A edge past Jharsuguda

At the Gatirout Patna Ground, Cuttack-A secured a first-innings lead over Jharsuguda in a low-scoring contest. Jharsuguda were bowled out for 76 in 35.2 overs, with Lucky Singh top-scoring with 53 runs. For Cuttack-A, Saikrishna Behera (3/10) and Sairaj Sahoo (3/15) were the pick of the bowlers. In reply, Cuttack-A managed 107, led by Abhisek Kalia’s gritty 37 and Om Prakash Das’s 24. Despite Sachidanand Mali’s 4/21, Cuttack-A took crucial first-innings points.

Standout performer: Sairaj Sahoo (10-4-15-3)

Rest of Odisha-A dominate Bhubaneswar-A

At the Sunshine Ground, Rest of Odisha-A claimed first-innings honours after posting 163 in their first innings. Mikun Dalnaik anchored the innings with a patient 77 off 190 balls, while Midhansu Das added 34. Bhubaneswar-A could only manage 105 in response, with D Sobhan (38) and Leoneel Meher (25) showing some resistance. Saurabh Yadav’s five-wicket haul (5/24) led Rest of Odisha-A to a comfortable advantage.

Standout performer: Saurabh Yadav (16-8-24-5)

Sundargarh overpower Puri

At Bidanasi Ground, Sundargarh enforced their dominance over Puri, taking the first-innings lead with a total of 251. Aditya Sagar (71) and Soumyaraj Suna (51) shone with the bat. For Puri, MS Swadhin Pramanik (5/60) fought hard but couldn’t prevent a collapse as Puri were bundled out for just 69. Ajay Mahato’s brilliant spell of 7/23 tore through Puri’s batting order, earning Sundargarh a deserved lead.

Standout performer: Ajay Mahato (9.5-3-23-7)

Rest of Odisha-B prevail over Keonjhar

At the Nimpur Ground, Rest of Odisha-B claimed the first-innings lead after bowling out Keonjhar for 63. Shreejeet Bhuyan was exceptional, taking 5 wickets for just 12 runs. In reply, Rest of Odisha-B scored 105, powered by Ayush Pradhan (32) and Chandan Singh (22). Ashutosh K Naik (5/1) impressed for Keonjhar but couldn’t turn the tide.

Standout performer: Shreejeet Bhuyan (3.4-1-12-5)