Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Odisha take 221-run lead against Jharkhand at stumps on Day 3

Jamshedpur: Odisha tightened their grip on the Ranji Trophy clash against Jharkhand at Keenan Stadium, here on Saturday, finishing day three with a lead of 221 runs.

Resuming the contest after gaining a slender first-innings advantage, Odisha reached 202 for 8 in 76.5 overs in their second innings by stumps on day three.

Subhranshu Senapati anchored the innings with a patient 73 off 145 balls, hitting five boundaries. He held the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals. Anil Parida supported him with a gritty 28 from 98 deliveries.

For Jharkhand, Anukul Roy delivered an outstanding spell, returning figures of 4 for 56 in 35 overs, including 10 maidens. Aditya Singh provided strong support with 3 for 69 in 22.5 overs.

Earlier in the day, Jharkhand were bowled out for 263 in 79.1 overs in their first innings. Shikhar Mohan top-scored with an aggressive 80 off 91 balls, hitting 14 fours and a six. Robin Minz added a steady 52 from 72 balls.

Odisha’s bowlers shared the workload effectively. Sayed Tufail Ahmad picked up 4 for 78 in 27 overs, while Govinda Poddar claimed 3 for 71 in 25.1 overs, helping Odisha secure a crucial 19-run first-innings lead.

Day 2: Odisha edge ahead after first innings

Day two saw Odisha bowled out for 282 in 104.5 overs in their first innings.

Swastik Samal played a determined knock of 79 off 168 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes. Govinda Poddar scored 64 from 120 deliveries, keeping the innings stable through crucial phases.

For Jharkhand, Saurabh was impressive with figures of 3 for 43 in 20 overs, while Aditya Singh picked up 3 for 35 in 13 overs.

In reply, Jharkhand finished Day 2 at 244 for 6 in 67 overs, trailing by 38 runs at stumps. Shikhar Mohan once again led the charge with 80 off 91 balls, while Kumar Kushagra made 47 from 103 deliveries.

Sayed Tufail Ahmad claimed 3 for 73 in 21 overs, and Rajesh Mohanty chipped in with 2 for 37 in 12 overs to keep Odisha in control.

Day 1: Solid start by Odisha

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Odisha ended Day 1 at 242 for 6 in 92 overs.

Swastik Samal laid the foundation with a composed 79 off 168 balls, while Govinda Poddar added 64 from 120 deliveries. The pair ensured Odisha built a steady platform despite disciplined bowling from Jharkhand.

Saurabh returned figures of 3 for 34 in 16 overs, and Aditya Singh took 2 for 24 in 11 overs to keep the contest evenly poised at the end of the opening day.