Odisha T20 League: Shantanu Mishra's unbeaten 78 steers Sambalpur Warriors to 8-wicket win
Synopsis
Shantanu Mishra's composed 78 not out, stitched together with a late flourish from Soumya R Lenka, handed Sambalpur Warriors a dominant eight-wicket win over Puri Titans in the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy at Barabati Stadium. The Warriors chased down 164 with more than an over to spare, picking up two crucial points in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
Sambalpur Warriors defeated Puri Titans by 8 wickets in the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy on 27 September 2026 .
Shantanu Mishra was the star with an unbeaten 78 off 59 balls and was named Player of the Match .
Soumya R Lenka contributed a quickfire 38 off 20 balls to seal the chase.
Adithya Rout top-scored for Puri Titans with 75 off 50 balls; Puri posted 163/7 in 20 overs .
Sambalpur completed the 164-run chase with more than an over to spare at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack .
Sambalpur Warriors recorded a commanding eight-wicket victory over Puri Titans in the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on 27 September 2026, with Shantanu Mishra's unbeaten 78 off 59 balls anchoring a successful chase of 164.
Puri Titans' Innings: Rout Leads the Way
Batting first, Puri Titans made a shaky start before a crucial 73-run second-wicket partnership between Adithya Rout and Swayam Srivastava steadied their innings. Srivastava contributed 27 off 23 deliveries before departing, while Rout top-scored with a fluent 75 off 50 balls, consistently finding the boundaries. A late cameo from Sarbeswar Mohanty — 20 off 13 balls — helped Puri finish strongly at 163/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Warriors' Chase: Built on Partnerships
Sambalpur Warriors lost an early wicket in the chase but regrouped swiftly. Shantanu Mishra and OM T Munde forged a vital 64-run second-wicket stand to seize control of the run-chase. Munde fell for a handy 28 off 21 deliveries, but Shantanu continued to bat with authority. Soumya R Lenka then joined the in-form batter and ensured the asking rate never got out of hand.
Mishra and Lenka Seal It with an Over to Spare
With 16 runs required from the final two overs, the pair held their nerve and carried Sambalpur home without further loss. Shantanu ended unbeaten on 78 off 59 balls, while Soumya R Lenka provided an explosive finish, remaining not out on 38 off 20 balls. The Warriors completed the chase with more than an over to spare, banking two crucial points at the historic Barabati Stadium, which has previously hosted international matches.
Player of the Match: Shantanu Mishra Speaks
Reflecting on his match-winning knock, Player of the Match Shantanu Mishra said, 'It feels great to contribute to such an important win for the team. We knew Puri had put up a competitive total, so it was important for us to build partnerships and keep the chase under control. Soumya played a very important role towards the end, and I'm happy we could finish the game strongly. These are crucial points for us, and hopefully we can carry this momentum into our upcoming matches.'
Significance for Sambalpur Warriors
The win strengthens Sambalpur Warriors' position in the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy standings. This comes amid the tournament's broader push to unearth domestic talent from across Odisha's regions — a platform that has increasingly attracted state-level scouts and selectors. The Warriors will look to carry this form into their next fixture.
Point of View
Situational batting of the kind that gets noticed by selectors. The tournament's Barabati Stadium setting is a reminder that Odisha cricket, once an afterthought on the domestic circuit, is now investing in structured pathways. Whether performances here translate to Ranji or BCCI recognition is the real benchmark for this competition's long-term value.
NationPress
28 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Odisha T20 League match between Sambalpur Warriors and Puri Titans?
Sambalpur Warriors won by eight wickets, chasing down Puri Titans' total of 163/7 with more than an over to spare at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on 27 September 2026.
How did Shantanu Mishra perform in the match?
Shantanu Mishra scored an unbeaten 78 off 59 balls, anchoring the successful run-chase for Sambalpur Warriors. He was named Player of the Match for his innings.
What did Puri Titans score in their innings?
Puri Titans posted 163/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Adithya Rout top-scored with 75 off 50 balls, while Swayam Srivastava (27 off 23) and Sarbeswar Mohanty (20 off 13) provided support.
What is the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy?
The Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy is a state-level T20 cricket tournament held in Odisha, designed to provide a competitive platform for regional talent. Matches are played at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, a venue that has previously hosted international fixtures.
What was Soumya R Lenka's contribution to the win?
Soumya R Lenka played a crucial finishing role, scoring an unbeaten 38 off 20 balls. With 16 runs needed from the final two overs, his aggressive hitting alongside Shantanu Mishra sealed the win without further loss.
