Argus News - Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Odisha Stumble as Baroda Clinch Easy Win at Barabati

Cuttack, Oct 18: Odisha kicked off their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign with a disappointing show at home as they lost to Baroda by seven wickets in their Elite Group A match at the Barabati Stadium here, Saturday.

Chasing a paltry target of 33, the visitors comfortably sealed the victory, sans a few hiccups in the process. Shivalik Sharma, one of the centurions in the match, was the top scorer with an unbeaten counterattacking 26-ball 32. For Odisha, Badal Biswal bagged two wickets, while Govinda Poddar got one to his name.

Match at a Glance

Earlier, Odisha were bowled out for 271 after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Wicketkeeper-batter Rajesh Dhuper missed out on a well-deserved century falling short by six runs. Skipper Subhranshu Senapati also played a handy knock, scoring 79.

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Overall, it was a disappointing performance by Odisha with the willow considering only three other players managing double digits in the scorecard. Skipper Atit Sheth (4/67) and Rasikh Salam (3/66) shared seven wickets between them.

In response, Baroda piled up 413/7, courtesy four crucial knocks, before declaring their essay after taking a 142-run first innings lead. Shivalik was the top scorer for Baroda with 124 to his name, followed by wicketkeeper-batter Mitesh Patel’s 100 not out. Sukirt Pandey (71) and Salam (45 n o) also chipped in with valuable contributions. Sumit Sharma got three scalps to his name, while Badal bagged two wickets.

With the pitch condition deteriorating, Odisha had to face an uphill task, considering the jobs in hand — first to score those 142 runs, and then setting up a match-winning target. And Odisha failed to complete the second task in hand. The home team were bundled out for just 174, setting up a paltry 33-run target.

Yet again, it was Subhranshu, who stood tall with an unbeaten 59. He was left stranded at one end, with other batters getting dismissed one after the other. Mahesh Pithiya got a six-wicket haul (6/63), and he was ably supported by Bhargav Bhatt (3/57).

In response, Baroda eased past the target in 7.4 overs, despite losing three wickets in the process. With this, Baroda bagged six points open their account in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.