Vijay Hazare Trophy: Poddar, Munde guide Odisha to comfortable win over Andhra

Bengaluru: Odisha produced a composed all-round performance to defeat Andhra by six wickets in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Group match at the Alur Cricket Stadium on Monday.

After winning the toss, Odisha opted to field and their bowlers delivered an impressive performance to restrict Andhra to 221 all out in 49.2 overs. SDNV Prasad anchored the Andhra innings with a steady 66 off 64 balls, scoring six fours and two sixes. Saurabh Kumar provided the late impetus, scoring a brisk 47 off just 26 deliveries with four sixes.

For Odisha, Govinda Poddar led the bowling attack effectively, picking up three wickets for 36 runs from his eight overs. He was well supported by Biplab Samantray, who also claimed three wickets while conceding 36 runs in 7.2 overs, keeping the scoring in check through the middle phase.

In reply, Odisha chased down the target with ease, reaching 223 for four in 43.4 overs. The chase was anchored by a match-winning partnership between Om T Munde and Govinda Poddar. Munde top-scored with a patient 91 off 111 balls, finding the boundary seven times to steady the innings. Poddar continued his fine all-round display with a fluent 89 off 105 balls, hitting nine fours and ensuring Odisha stayed on course throughout the chase.

Andhra bowlers found limited success, with PVSN Raju picking up two wickets for 49 runs from nine overs, while K Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one wicket, conceding 37 runs from eight overs.