Batters Guide Assam to Thrilling Last-Ball Victory Over Odisha in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Batters guide Assam to victory

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: A disciplined performance by the top-order batters helped Assam overcome a stiff challenge from Odisha to register their first victory of the season in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Jaipur today. Chasing a target of 268 runs in 50 overs, Assam clinched the win off the final ball of the innings, losing just five wickets. Opener Rishav Das was named Man of the Match for his brilliant knock of 73 runs.

After winning the toss, Assam opted to field first. Odisha struggled early on, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, a crucial fifth-wicket partnership between Kartik Biswal and Aasirwad Swain steadied their innings, allowing Odisha to post a competitive total of 267-5 in 50 overs.

Kartik was the top scorer, remaining unbeaten on 76 (72 balls, 4x7, 6x1), while Aasirwad contributed a quick-fire 58 off 45 balls (5x4, 1x6). The duo added 121 runs for the fifth wicket. For Assam, Mrinmoy Dutta (2-52), Akash Sengupta (1-58), and Parvez Musaraf (1-3) were the wicket-takers.

In reply, Assam’s openers provided a steady start, with Sarupam Purkayastha (22) and Rishav Das putting on 52 runs for the first wicket. Two more significant partnerships followed involving Rishav: Rishav and Sumit Ghadigaonkar added 71 runs for the second wicket, while Rishav and skipper Sibsankar Roy stitched together a 59-run stand for the third wicket. Later Sibsankar and Denish Das also contributed valuable 58 runs partnership on fourth-wicket.

Rishav anchored the innings with a patient 73 off 119 balls, including eight boundaries. Sumit narrowly missed a half-century, scoring 47 off 51 balls (4x3, 6x2). Sibsankar played a captain’s knock, hitting 66 off 56 balls (6x4, 1x6). Denish Das also contributed a vital 28 runs, while Saahil Jain (16 no) and Akash Sengupta (1no) completed the remaining work to take Assam home. It may be mentioned here that Assam required 11 runs when Sibsankar got out on 48.5 overs of the innings.

Rajesh Mohanty (2-43) was the top performer for Odisha with the ball.

Also Read: Jharkhand Beats Assam by Seven Wickets in Vijay Hazare Trophy Opener

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