Bhubaneswar: For the second time in as many matches, Odisha were involved in a Ranji Trophy match which didn’t see two innings being completed at the KIIT Stadium here, giving both teams a point each.
Last week, Cyclone Arnab-induced rains played spoilsport in the Odisha versus Services Elite Group C clash. This time, bad weather due to Cyclone Murasu robbed more than a day’s play to force a draw.
On Thursday, Odisha did well to deny Jharkhand the first-innings lead, which would have given the visitors three points.
After Jharkhand declared their first innings closed at 433/8 on Day 3, Odisha played out the entire final day to finish on 280/7 when stumps were drawn for the last time.
Odisha had worrying moments, tumbling to 59/3 in the first session. Opener Swastik Samal’s 80 and Anil Parida’s 57 steadied the ship. Rajesh Dhuper (39*) and Lalit Yadav (25*) made sure Jharkhand didn’t bowl out Odisha.
Despite the draw, Odisha stayed at the bottom of the eight-team group with 2 points in 4 matches.
BRIEF SCORES
Jharkhand first innings: 433/8 declared
Odisha first innings: 280/7 (Swastik Samal 80, Anil Parida 57, Rajesh Dhuper 39*; Pratyush Singh 3/58, Manishi 3/77).
Result: Match drawn.
Points earned: Odisha 1, Jharkhand 1.
Group C standings: Jharkhand sixth (6 pts), Odisha last (2 pts).
Next match: Odisha vs Delhi from Jan 17, 2027 in Cuttack.