U23 State A Trophy: Odisha beat Assam by one wicket in last-wicket thriller

Vadodara: Odisha clinched a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Assam in Match 5 of the Mens U23 State A Trophy at the Motibaug Cricket Ground here on Monday, by successfully chasing 259 with six balls to spare despite being down to their last wicket.

After winning the toss and choosing to field, Odisha held Assam to 257/8 in 50 overs. Assam opener Saurav Mousum Dihingia produced a brilliant knock, remaining unbeaten on a superb 134 off 144 balls, studded with 14 fours and two sixes. Diwiz Pathak chipped in with 31 off 37 balls, but Odisha’s bowlers ensured the total stayed within reach.Ayush K Barik (2/34) and Md Danish (2/52) delivered key breakthroughs.

Odisha’s chase swung back and forth, and despite losing wickets regularly, they reached 259/9 in 49 overs.

The innings was anchored brilliantly by Sujal K Singh, whose match-winning 76* off 54 balls (12 fours) turned the chase in Odisha’s favour. Earlier, Aashirwad Swain’s 67 off 88 balls provided stability during a tricky middle phase.

Assam bowlers kept the contest tight, with Saurav Dey (2/9) bowling a miserly spell, while Parvej Musaraf (2/48) added pressure with crucial wickets. Odisha, however, held firm on the last wicket to seal a tense victory.