Odisha T20 League: A disciplined four-wicket haul by pacer Vageesh Sharma, along with solid half-centuries from Rajesh Dhupar and Sujal Singh, propelled Keonjhar Miners to a convincing 26-run victory over Kataka Panthers in the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy at the Barabati Stadium here on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, Keonjhar Miners posted a competitive total of 187/8 in their 20 overs before bundling out Kataka Panthers for 161 in the final over of the chase. Keonjhar lost an early wicket, but keeper-batter Dhupar (58 off 40 balls) and skipper Subhranshu Senapati (36 off 21 balls) steadied the ship with a vital 82-run partnership for the second wicket.
Despite Kataka picking up wickets at regular intervals during the middle overs, Sujal’s unbeaten 30-ball 42 ensured Keonjhar finished with a flourish. Veteran all-rounder Biplab Samantray was the standout bowler for Kataka Panthers by returning economic figures of 1-26 in his four-over spell.
In response, Kataka Panthers’ chase got off to a shaky start as they stumbled to 48/3. Samantray and Kartik Biswal briefly threatened to rebuild with a 29-run fourth-wicket stand before Biswal fell for a quickfire 13-ball 22 while trying to push the scoring rate.
Vageesh then turned the tide completely in Keonjhar's favour, breaking partnerships at critical junctures to finish with figures of 4-33. Kataka's lower order failed to keep up with the steep required run rate as the side was bowled out for 161.
In response, Kataka Panthers’ chase got off to a shaky start as they stumbled to 48/3. Samantray and Kartik Biswal briefly threatened to rebuild with a 29-run fourth-wicket stand before Biswal fell for a quickfire 13-ball 22 while trying to push the scoring rate.
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Earlier in the day, the morning match between Rourkela Superstars and Bhubaneswar Tigers was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain.