Odisha T20 League: Keonjhar Miners reach final, Sambalpur vs Bhubaneswar qualifier on Sep 29
Synopsis
Keonjhar Miners have punched their ticket to the Odisha T20 League final without playing a knockout game, finishing top of the table on Net Run Rate. The real drama now falls on 29 September, when Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers — level on points — meet in a winner-takes-all qualifier at Barabati Stadium.
Key Takeaways
Keonjhar Miners finished top of the Odisha T20 League — CM Trophy table with six points and advance directly to the final.
Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers will contest the Qualifier on 29 September at 7:30 pm IST at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack .
The Rourkela Superstars vs Kataka Panthers league fixture was abandoned due to a wet outfield on 28 September .
Aanjaneya Suryavanshi smashed 73 off 24 balls as Pithoragarh Hurricanes beat Nainital Tigers by 27 runs (DLS) .
Vijay Sharma hit an unbeaten 56 off 17 balls to guide Tehri Titans to a nine-wicket win over Rishikesh Rivers Kings .
A women's exhibition match between OCA Women's Green and OCA Women's Blue is scheduled for 29 September at 2:00 pm IST at Barabati Stadium.
Keonjhar Miners have secured a direct berth in the final of the Odisha T20 League — CM Trophy after finishing atop the points table with six points and a superior Net Run Rate. The league stage concluded on Monday, 28 September, setting up a high-stakes qualifier at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, between Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers on 29 September.
Points Table and Final Qualification
Keonjhar Miners topped the standings comfortably, their superior Net Run Rate separating them from Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers, who finished second and third respectively — both sides level on points. As table-toppers, the Miners advance directly to the final, while the Warriors and Tigers must battle it out in the Qualifier at 7:30 pm IST on 29 September at Barabati Stadium. The winner of that match will join Keonjhar Miners in the title decider.
Monday's Washout: Rourkela vs Kataka Called Off
The league-stage fixture between Rourkela Superstars and Kataka Panthers was abandoned without a ball bowled due to a wet outfield at Barabati Stadium. The washout had no bearing on final standings, as the top-three positions were already determined by earlier results.
Women's Exhibition Match Also Scheduled
Barabati Stadium will host a women's exhibition contest between OCA Women's Green and OCA Women's Blue on 29 September, starting at 2:00 pm IST — ahead of the men's qualifier. The match is part of a broader effort to promote women's cricket in Odisha and provides a platform for emerging talent in the state.
Rain-Hit Monday Matches: Hurricanes and Titans Prevail
Elsewhere on Monday, two rain-affected matches produced explosive batting displays. Pithoragarh Hurricanes defeated Nainital Tigers by 27 runs via the DLS Method. Opener Aanjaneya Suryavanshi was the standout performer, hammering a blistering 73 off 24 balls, while partner Samarth Semwal chipped in with 44 off 25 balls. Together, they powered the Hurricanes to 159/7 in 14 overs. Adi Khan was the pick of the Nainital bowlers, claiming five wickets. Nainital Tigers reached 41/3 in 6.1 overs before rain halted play, with DLS handing the Hurricanes the win. Suryavanshi was named Player of the Match.
In the second fixture, Tehri Titans beat Rishikesh Rivers Kings by nine wickets in another rain-shortened contest. Tehri struck with the very first delivery after electing to bowl, and Rishikesh posted 73/4 in five overs, with Dikshanshu Negi smashing a quickfire 26 off 8 balls. Chasing 74, the Titans cruised home at 75/1 in 4.5 overs, with Vijay Sharma delivering an unbeaten 56 off 17 balls to seal a commanding victory.
What's Next
All eyes now turn to Barabati Stadium on 29 September, where the Sambalpur Warriors vs Bhubaneswar Tigers qualifier will determine who meets Keonjhar Miners in the final. With both sides evenly matched on points through the league stage, the knockout promises to be a closely contested affair.
Point of View
Allowing them to rest and prepare while their rivals burn energy in a knockout. The real test of the tournament's competitive balance arrives on 29 September: if Sambalpur or Bhubaneswar can match Keonjhar in the final after playing an extra high-pressure game, it will validate the league's depth. The inclusion of a women's exhibition match on the same day is a welcome signal, but Odisha cricket's administrators will need to convert such gestures into a structured women's league if the state is to develop female talent at scale.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has qualified for the Odisha T20 League final?
Keonjhar Miners have secured a direct place in the final after finishing top of the league-stage points table with six points and a superior Net Run Rate. The second finalist will be decided by the Qualifier between Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers on 29 September.
When and where is the Odisha T20 League Qualifier?
The Qualifier between Sambalpur Warriors and Bhubaneswar Tigers is scheduled for 29 September at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, starting at 7:30 pm IST. The winner will advance to the final against Keonjhar Miners.
Why was the Rourkela Superstars vs Kataka Panthers match called off?
The fixture was abandoned due to a wet outfield at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on 28 September. The washout did not affect the final league standings, as the top-three positions had already been determined.
What happened in Monday's rain-affected matches?
Pithoragarh Hurricanes beat Nainital Tigers by 27 runs via the DLS Method, with Aanjaneya Suryavanshi scoring 73 off 24 balls and earning Player of the Match honours. In the second game, Tehri Titans defeated Rishikesh Rivers Kings by nine wickets, with Vijay Sharma hitting an unbeaten 56 off 17 balls.
Is there a women's match at Barabati Stadium on 29 September?
Yes, a women's exhibition match between OCA Women's Green and OCA Women's Blue is scheduled at Barabati Stadium on 29 September, starting at 2:00 pm IST, ahead of the men's qualifier.
