Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Odisha outclass Assam with 73-run win

Lucknow: Odisha produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Assam by 73 runs in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 clash at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium B, here on Saturday.

After being sent in to bat, Odisha posted a strong 171/4 in 20 overs, powered by an explosive unbeaten half-century from Aashirwad Swain. The opener hammered 51* off just 28 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes at an impresssive strike rate of 182.14. He was well supported by Biplab Samantray, whose aggressive 43* off 32 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes, kept the innings moving at pace.

Assam’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, though Abdul Ajij Kuraishi (2/27) and Avinav Choudhury (1/18) managed to extract some rewards.

Chasing 172, Assam faltered early and never recovered, eventually being bundled out for 98 in 16 overs. S C Ghadigaonkar offered resistance with a fighting 43 off 33 balls, while Riyan Parag managed 14 from 19, but the rest of the batting lineup collapsed under sustained pressure.

Odisha’s bowlers were relentless, with Biplab Samantray starring again, this time with the ball, claiming three wickets for just two runs in a single over. Badal Biswal complemented him well, taking 2/28 from his four overs.