Vageesh Sharma's 4-33 powers Keonjhar Miners to 26-run win over Kataka Panthers
Synopsis
Vageesh Sharma's incisive 4-33 dismantled Kataka Panthers' chase as Keonjhar Miners defended 187 to win by 26 runs in the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy at Barabati Stadium. A game that turned on one spell — and a keeper-batter's 58 that almost nobody saw coming.
Key Takeaways
Keonjhar Miners beat Kataka Panthers by 26 runs in the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy at Barabati Stadium on 26 September 2026 .
Pacer Vageesh Sharma claimed 4 for 33 and was named Player of the Match .
Keeper-batter Rajesh Dhupar top-scored with 58 off 40 balls ; Sujal Singh added an unbeaten 42 off 30 balls .
Keonjhar posted 187/8 in 20 overs; Kataka were bowled out for 161 in the final over.
The morning game between Rourkela Superstars and Bhubaneswar Tigers was abandoned due to rain without a ball bowled.
Pacer Vageesh Sharma delivered a match-winning four-wicket haul as Keonjhar Miners defeated Kataka Panthers by 26 runs in the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, on Saturday, 26 September 2026. Solid half-century contributions from Rajesh Dhupar and Sujal Singh gave Keonjhar a total stiff enough for their bowlers to defend.
Keonjhar's Innings: Dhupar and Senapati Rebuild
Electing to bat, Keonjhar Miners were rocked early, losing a wicket cheaply. Keeper-batter Dhupar then took charge, striking 58 off 40 balls, while skipper Subhranshu Senapati chipped in with a brisk 36 off 21 balls. The two added a pivotal 82-run second-wicket partnership to stabilise the innings. Despite regular Kataka wickets through the middle overs, Sujal Singh's unbeaten 42 off 30 balls at the death propelled Keonjhar to a competitive 187/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Veteran all-rounder Biplab Samantray was the pick of Kataka's bowlers, returning economical figures of 1 for 26 in a four-over spell.
Kataka's Chase Unravels Under Vageesh's Pressure
Kataka Panthers' reply was troubled from the outset, slipping to 48/3 inside the powerplay overs. Samantray and Kartik Biswal briefly offered resistance with a 29-run fourth-wicket stand, but Biswal's aggressive attempt to lift the run rate ended when he fell for a 22 off 13 balls. Vageesh then made his decisive move, breaking crucial partnerships at key moments to finish with outstanding figures of 4 for 33. Kataka's tail offered no meaningful resistance, with the side bowled out for 161 in the final over — falling 26 runs short.
Player of the Match Reacts
Collecting the Player of the Match award, Vageesh Sharma reflected on his performance. 'It feels good to contribute to the team's victory. Taking wickets at important moments gives me confidence, and I'm happy that my effort helped Keonjhar secure the win,' he said.
Morning Match Abandoned
Earlier on the same day, the scheduled morning fixture between Rourkela Superstars and Bhubaneswar Tigers was abandoned without a ball being bowled owing to persistent rain, denying both sides the opportunity to take the field at Barabati Stadium.
Keonjhar Miners will look to carry this momentum forward as the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy progresses through its group stage.
Point of View
But Kataka's top-order fragility — three wickets inside 48 runs — meant they were always playing catch-up. Vageesh's ability to take wickets in clusters, rather than just contain, is the differentiator worth watching as the CM Trophy progresses. The rain abandonment of the morning match adds further unpredictability to what is still a developing points table.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy match between Keonjhar and Kataka on 26 September?
Keonjhar Miners won, defeating Kataka Panthers by 26 runs at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, on 26 September 2026. Keonjhar posted 187/8 and bowled Kataka out for 161.
What were Vageesh Sharma's bowling figures in the match?
Vageesh Sharma took 4 wickets for 33 runs in his spell, breaking key partnerships to halt Kataka's chase. He was awarded the Player of the Match for his performance.
How did Keonjhar Miners build their total of 187?
Keeper-batter Rajesh Dhupar (58 off 40 balls) and skipper Subhranshu Senapati (36 off 21 balls) shared an 82-run second-wicket stand to stabilise Keonjhar's innings. Sujal Singh's unbeaten 42 off 30 balls in the latter overs helped the side finish strongly.
Why was the Rourkela Superstars vs Bhubaneswar Tigers match abandoned?
The morning fixture between Rourkela Superstars and Bhubaneswar Tigers at Barabati Stadium was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain on 26 September 2026.
Who was the standout bowler for Kataka Panthers?
All-rounder Biplab Samantray was Kataka's most effective bowler, returning economical figures of 1 for 26 in his four overs. However, Kataka's overall bowling effort was not enough to restrict Keonjhar to a defendable total.
