Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Andhra outclass Odisha by 66 runs
Lucknow: Andhra delivered a commanding all-round performance to beat Odisha by 66 runs in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, here on Friday.
Put in to bat after Odisha won the toss, Andhra posted a strong 184/7 in 20 overs. Ricky Bhui led the charge with an explosive 47 off 29 balls, hammering two fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 162.07. KS Bharat provided solid support with 42 off 37, keeping the innings steady through the middle overs.
For Odisha, Biplab Samantray was the pick of the bowlers with 3/20 from 4 overs, while Rajesh Mohanty chipped in with 2/34.
Chasing 185, Odisha struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 118 in 17.2 overs. Sourav Gouda showed some promise with a brisk 24 off 16 balls, hitting four boundaries, while Swastik Samal added 18 off 10. But the rest of the batting lineup failed to keep up with the required rate.
Andhra’s bowlers were relentless, with Prithvi Raj Yarra producing an excellent spell of 2/4 in 2.2 overs, maintaining superb control with an economy of 1.71. Saurabh Kumar also struck crucial blows, finishing with 2/23 from 4 overs.
