Tripura finds itself under pressure after losing three wickets in quick succession late on Day 3 of their Under-23 Col. C.K. Naidu Trophy match against Odisha at Sundargarh Stadium.
Despite the setback, the visitors remain in contention for their first win of the season. Tripura need just 49 runs with four wickets in hand on the final day to chase down the target of Odisha’s 150.
Earlier in the innings, Tripura seemed comfortably placed at 96 for 3. However, a sudden collapse saw them lose three wickets for just 5 runs, leaving them precariously poised at 101 for 6 by stumps. To clinch victory, Tripura’s lower-order batsmen must dig deep, bat patiently, and stay at the crease. The critical question is whether the remaining five batters can muster the composure and skill to score the required runs, given their inconsistent performances this season.
The hosts Tripura scored 131 in their first innings in response to Odisha’s 157, conceding a slender 26-run lead. Odisha, in their second innings, managed 123 runs in 70.1 overs, setting Tripura a target of 150. By the end of Day 3, Tripura had reached 101 for 6, needing 49 more runs to win.
Odisha’s second innings featured a gutsy knock by Saideep Mahapatra, who scored 46 off 125 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Skipper Swayan Pahariya contributed 23 off 84 balls with four boundaries, while Sujal KC Singh added 17 off 36 balls with one boundary.
For Tripura, Abhijit Debbarma was the standout performer, claiming 6 wickets for 38 runs to follow up his first-innings heroics. Sourav Kar supported with 3 wickets for 24 runs.
The run chase got off to a shaky start, but the middle order showed resilience to stabilize the innings. Indrajit Debnath led the charge with a fluent 40 off 60 balls, hitting three boundaries and two sixes. Saptajeet Das chipped in with 30 off 49 balls, including five boundaries. Sentu Sarkar and Rituraj Ghosh Roy contributed 15 and 12 runs, respectively, but the late flurry of wickets undid much of their effort.
For Odisha, Bimal Kumar impressed with figures of 2 for 12, while Ashutosh Churia picked up 2 wickets for 37 runs.
With the final day looming, Tripura’s fate hangs in the balance. A steady and determined approach from the remaining batsmen could seal a morale-boosting win. However, Odisha’s bowlers will be eager to capitalize on the pressure and script a thrilling finish. The final session promises high drama as both teams eye a decisive result in this keenly contested match.
(Tripura, Northeast)
