Nagpur: Vidarbha completed a clinical 100-run victory over Odisha on the final day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, turning what once looked like a close contest into a decisive result.
Odisha, chasing a challenging 345-run target, began the day with renewed optimism. Openers Swastik Samal (65) and Gourav Choudhury (47) put up a spirited stand worth more than 100 runs, frustrating the home bowlers in the morning session. Their partnership kept Odisha in the hunt and briefly raised hopes of a dramatic turnaround.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically after the first breakthrough. Young Vidarbha pacer Parth Rekhade triggered a collapse that Odisha never recovered from. His incisive spell of 5 for 80, backed by Praful Hinge’s 3 for 41, ripped through the middle and lower order. From a solid 164 for 2, Odisha crumbled to 244 all out, losing their final eight wickets for just 80 runs.
Earlier in the match, Vidarbha’s top order had done the groundwork with centuries from Dhruv Shorey and Rathod Mokhade, allowing the hosts to set a steep fourth-innings target. Their bowlers then executed the plan to perfection, maintaining relentless pressure throughout the final day.
The victory propelled Vidarbha to the top of the Group A standings, strengthening their push for the knockout stage. For Odisha, however, it was another missed opportunity — a game that slipped away after a promising start, highlighting the team’s struggle to sustain consistency under pressure.
Score Summary:
Vidarbha – 1st Inn: 340 & 2nd Inn: 248/6 declared
Odisha – 1st Inn: 244 & 2nd Inn: 244 all out
Result: Vidarbha won by 100 runs
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