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Cuttack, March 28: It is said that miracles do happen in cricket. But those are very rare in modern-day cricket. But what a few number of spectators saw here Friday at Barabati Stadium, was nothing less than a miracle. Orissa completely outplayed Jharkhand by 47 runs to go through the knockout stage by securing the top position in the East Zone T20 Qualifiers for the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy.
In a day full of action, Jharkhand elected to field first after winning the toss. Their decision proved right as half of the Orissa’s side surrendered themselves in the hands of Jharkhand pace-duo Rituraj Singh (2/22) and Vikash Kumar (2/11). Captain Biplab Samantray, vice-captain Govind Podder along with all-rounder Pratik Das, were back in the hut failing to open their account as Orissa were were reduced to 14 for five.
But then the rescue act started as Anurag Sarangi (47, 53b, 4×4, 1×6) and Aravind Singh (58, 42b, 6×4, 2×6) stood tall once again to rescue the hosts. The duo added 97 runs for the sixth wicket to take Orissa past the 100-run mark. Aravind played a quick fire half-century before holing out at long-on off Shahbaz Nadeem. But the tail held on to take Orissa to 140.
Chasing an easy target, Jharkhand’s decision to field first became a boomerang as they kept loosing wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Biplab Samantray (3/9) led from the front with the ball and was well-supported by Suryakant Pradhan (2/9) and Alok Mangaraj (1/18). Against their incisive attack, Jharkhand collapsed to 93 all out. Opener Saurabh Tiwary (23, 19b, 5×4) emerged as the top scorer for Jharkhand.
Brief Scores:
Orissa 140 for 7 (Arvind Singh 58) beat Jharkhand 93 all out (Biplab Samantray 3/9) by 47 runs.
Bengal win
Star-studded Bengal registered their first win in after beating Tripura by 49 runs. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bengal posted a huge total of 210, thanks to the half centuries by wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha (62, 30b, 5×4, 6×6) and Sudip Chatterjee (89, 52b, 11×4, 2×6).
Then debutant Amit Kuila (3/33) bowled well as Tripura were all out for 161. He was well-supported by Aamir Gani (2/29) and Manoj Tiwary (2/35). Having a better run-rate, Bengal still have a chance to qualify if they beat Orissa in their last group match Sunday.
Brief scores:
Bengal 210 for 4 (Sudip Chatterjee 89, Wriddhiman Saha 62) beat Tripura 161 all Out (Amit Kuila 3/33) by 49 runs.
