Cuttack: In a thrilling encounter at the DRIEMS ground, Cuttack, Odisha registered a resounding victory over Himachal Pradesh by 238 runs in the fourth round of the Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Pacer Rajesh Mohanty’s stellar 8-wicket match haul (3/56 & 5/33) and Sandeep Pattanaik’s magnificent century (150 off 276) in the second innings played pivotal roles in Odisha’s dominating performance.
Led by Sandeep Pattanaik, who notched up his second century of the season in consecutive matches, Odisha declared their second innings at 425/8, setting a challenging target of 388 for Himachal Pradesh. The pitch, known for its pace-friendly conditions, had seen both teams struggling in their respective first innings, but Odisha’s batsmen displayed resilience and determination to post a formidable total.
The experienced duo of Govinda Poddar (41 off 62) and Biplab Samantaray (46 off 137) contributed valuable runs, while Anurag Sarangi’s unbeaten 70 provided crucial support. The collective effort of the batting unit helped Odisha set a target that their bowlers defended with finesse.
Odisha’s bowlers, led by Rajesh Mohanty, orchestrated a brilliant performance to restrict Himachal Pradesh to 149. Rajesh claimed five wickets, while Biplab Samantaray scalped two. Debabrata Pradhan, Sunil Roul, and Harshit Rathod also made significant contributions with a wicket each. Prashan Chopra’s commendable 57 was the top score for Himachal Pradesh.
This victory comes as a redemption for Odisha, who faced criticism in previous encounters for their inability to provide sufficient support to the bowlers. The team’s commitment and application in challenging conditions showcased a commendable turnaround, earning them a crucial win.
With one victory, one first innings lead, and two losses, Odisha currently stands at the 5th position in Elite Group-D with 9 points after four rounds. The team is set to face Puducherry at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, starting from February 2, in their fifth-round match as they aim to climb further in the Ranji Trophy standings.