Argus News - Swastik Samal Creates Odisha History with Record Double Ton at Vijay Hazare Trophy

Bengaluru, Dec 24: Odisha’s young batting star Swastik Samal etched his name in the record books with a breathtaking double century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Saurashtra at the Alur Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old became the first player from Odisha to score a double ton in the prestigious domestic one-day competition, guiding his team to a formidable 345/6. Swastik eclipsed the previous List A record of highest individual score by an Odisha batter — BBCC Mohapatra’s 145 against Tripura in 2005.

Samal’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He smashed 212 runs off 169 balls, peppered with 21 boundaries and eight towering sixes. His knock not only set the tone for Odisha’s innings but also overshadowed a fine century from teammate Biplab Samantaray, who contributed 100 off 91 deliveries with seven fours and three sixes.

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Odisha’s innings had begun on shaky ground after Saurashtra won the toss and opted to field. The decision initially paid off as Odisha slipped to 59/3 inside 12 overs, losing seasoned campaigners Sandeep Pattnaik and Govinda Poddar cheaply. However, the tide turned dramatically once Samal and Samantaray joined forces.

The duo stitched together a monumental 261-run partnership for the fourth wicket off just 211 balls, rescuing Odisha from early trouble and propelling them past the 300-run mark. Their partnership was built on patience early on, before accelerating into a flurry of boundaries that left the Saurashtra bowlers searching for answers.

Samantaray’s dismissal in the 47th over by Ankur Panwar briefly halted the charge, but by then Odisha had already crossed 300 — 320 to be exact. Samal continued his onslaught until the final over, when he was dismissed, but not before ensuring Odisha posted a near-350 total.

For Saurashtra, Ankur Panwar was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/68 in his 10 overs. Chirag Jani provided support with 2/52 in nine overs, but the day belonged entirely to Swastik Samal, whose innings will be remembered as one of the finest in Odisha’s cricketing history.