Vijay Hazare Trophy: Rajesh Mohanty scripts history with hat-trick as Odisha beat Services by four wickets
Bengaluru: Rajesh Mohanty recorded his name into Odisha cricket history with a memorable hat-trick, becoming the first bowler from the state to achieve the feat in List A cricket, as Odisha registered a four-wicket win over Services in their Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 match at the Alur Cricket Stadium III, here on Friday.
After Odisha won the toss and chose to field, Mohanty led a brilliant bowling effort that dismantled the Services batting lineup for 83 all out in 21.5 overs. Mohanty was outstanding with the ball, finishing with figures of 4 for 25 from 9 overs, a spell that included a hat-trick which completely halted Services’ momentum. He received excellent support from Sambit S Baral, who also picked up 4 wickets for 21 runs in 8.5 overs, ensuring Services never recovered from the early setbacks.
For Services, P S Poonia provided brief resistance with a brisk 25 off 18 balls, while A P Sharma battled for 13 off 36 deliveries, but the rest of the batting failed to cope with Odisha’s accuracy and movement.
Chasing a modest target of 84, Odisha were tested by a spirited bowling performance from Services but crossed the line at 84 for 6 in 24.3 overs. Sandeep Pattanaik anchored the chase with a patient unbeaten 32 off 69 balls, holding one end firm as wickets fell at regular intervals. Mohanty capped off his fine all-round outing by contributing 12 off 13 balls, to steer Odisha home.
Services’ bowlers fought hard, with P S Poonia once again impressing as he claimed 4 for 27 from 9.3 overs, while N Yadav chipped in with 2 for 20. However, the target proved too small to defend.
