In a spectacular display of batting, opener Swastik Samal announced his arrival on the domestic one-day scene with a monumental double century for Odisha in their Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 opener against Saurashtra on Wednesday. The 25-year-old's career-defining knock of 212 runs, however, was not enough to secure victory as Saurashtra pulled off a thrilling chase.
A Rescue Act Turns Historic
Odisha, put in to bat first at the KSCA Cricket Ground after Saurashtra captain Harvik Desai won the toss, found themselves in deep trouble early on. The top order crumbled, leaving the team reeling at 59 for 3 within the first 12 overs. With the innings in jeopardy, Swastik Samal walked in and staged a remarkable recovery.
Starting cautiously, Samal meticulously rebuilt the innings. He found his rhythm, picking gaps with precision rather than relying on power. His composure paid off as he reached his maiden List A century in 104 deliveries, after having brought up his fifty off 53 balls. The real acceleration came during his mammoth partnership with Odisha skipper Biplab Samantray.
Record-Breaking Partnership and Milestones
Samal and Samantray combined to dismantle the Saurashtra bowling attack, adding a colossal 261 runs for the fourth wicket. While Samal anchored the innings, Samantray provided explosive support, scoring a brisk 100 from just 91 balls, including seven fours and three sixes.
Samal continued to blaze away, eventually being dismissed in the final over. His masterful 212-run innings was studded with 21 fours and eight sixes, propelling Odisha to a formidable total of 345 for 6 in their 50 overs. This was not just his first List A hundred; he converted it into a monumental double century.
Entering the Vijay Hazare History Books
With this knock, Swastik Samal etched his name in the record books. He became only the ninth batter in Vijay Hazare Trophy history to score a double century. His score of 212 is now the joint fourth-highest individual total in the tournament, matching the unbeaten 212 scored by Sanju Samson in 2019.
He also shattered a long-standing Odisha record, surpassing the previous best List A score of 145 set back in 2005. The innings announced him as a formidable talent in the domestic circuit.
Despite Samal's heroics, the match had a dramatic twist. Saurashtra, led by brilliant knocks from Sammar Gajjar (132) and Chirag Jani (86), mounted a successful chase. They reached the target of 346 in 48.5 overs, winning the match by five wickets, in what turned out to be a high-scoring thriller.
The match will be remembered for Swastik Samal's breathtaking individual brilliance, even though it ended in a defeat for his team. His innings has set a high bar for the tournament and marked him as a player to watch in the coming games.
