Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Rajesh Mohanty’s five-for powers Odisha to 27-run win over Chhattisgarh

Lucknow: A sensational five-wicket haul from Rajesh Mohanty headlined Odisha’s strong 27-run victory over Chhattisgarh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at Ekana Cricket Stadium B, here on Tuesday. Put in to bat after Chhattisgarh won the toss and opted to field, Odisha set a competitive total before their bowlers, led by Mohanty, dismantled the chase.

Batting first, Odisha reached 135/8 in 20 overs, thanks largely to a composed and aggressive knock from skipper Biplab Samantaray, who struck 61 off 41 balls with four fours and four sixes. Subham Satrujit chipped in with 27 off 25 balls, adding valuable runs even as Chhattisgarh bowlers applied pressure through the middle overs.

For Chhattisgarh, Ajay Mandal delivered the standout performance with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 4/25 from his four overs. AA Sarvate kept things tight as well, conceding just 16 runs in his four overs and picking up a wicket, helping contain Odisha’s late push.

The chase never gathered momentum for Chhattisgarh. While Amandeep Khare offered resistance with a spirited 46 off 32 balls, including two fours and three sixes and Sanjeet Desai contributed 33 off 37 balls, wickets at regular intervals kept the pressure firmly on the batting side.

Odisha’s bowlers were disciplined throughout, but it was Mohanty who turned the match decisively, returning remarkable figures of 5/21 in 4 overs. Prayash Kumar Singh supported him with 2/19 in 2.4 overs, ensuring Chhattisgarh were dismissed for 108 in 19.4 overs.