Ranji Trophy: Odisha Post Mammoth Total Against Services

Cuttack: Even as the entire state is looking forward to the upcoming ODI between India and West Indies in Cuttack Barabati stadium on December 22, the Odisha cricket team today hogged the limelight by continuing with its superb run of form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season.

Thanks to a splendid batting display by Debasish Samantray, who scored 195 runs, Odisha posted a massive total of 540 runs against the Services team in the ongoing match at DRIEMS ground in Cuttack.

Though Debashis missed a double ton by a whisker, his batting style impressed fans as well as the experts. He scored 195 runs in 403 balls with 23 boundaries and anchored Odisha’s innings with some crucial partnerships.

Biplab Samantaray scored 73, Debabrat Pradhan 57 and Suryakant Pradhan chipped in with a quick-fire 64 runs off 28 deliveries.

Earlier, Odisha put the Services to bat first after winning the toss. It was a good toss to win as Odisha wrapped up the Services team for 271 runs. Basant Mohanty was the pick of the bowlers for Odisha as he scalped six wickets. Services skipper Rajat Paliwal was the top scorer with 58 runs in the first innings.

In reply to Odisha's first innings score, Services were 86 for 3 wickets in their second innings trailing by 183 runs by the end of today’s play.

Placed in Elite Group- C, Odisha registered its first win in this year’s Ranji season by defeating Chhattisgarh in the opening match.