Swastik Samal Hits Record Double Century in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Odisha Opener Dominates Against Saurashtra

Swastik Samal delivered a breathtaking performance on Wednesday, leading Odisha in their Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 opener with a sensational double century. The 25-year-old opener scored an unbeaten 212 runs against Saurashtra at the KSCA Cricket Ground, leaving fans and critics in awe.

Early Struggles for Odisha

After losing the toss, Odisha were asked to bat first by Saurashtra captain Harvik Desai. The start was shaky, with the team losing three early wickets for just 59 runs in 12 overs. The situation appeared grim, and expectations of a big total seemed slim.

Samal Takes Charge

Calm and composed under pressure, Samal methodically built his innings. Initially cautious, he soon found gaps and rotated the strike effectively. His confidence grew steadily, and he reached his half-century in 53 balls. By 104 deliveries, he had achieved his first-ever List A century.

Partnership That Turned the Game

The turning point of the innings came through an extraordinary partnership with Odisha captain Biplab Samantray. The duo added 261 runs for the fourth wicket, dismantling the Saurashtra bowling attack. Samantray played a brilliant supporting role, scoring a quick 100 off 91 balls with seven fours and three sixes.

Historic Double Century

Samal’s innings ended at 212 runs, including 21 fours and eight sixes. Odisha posted a formidable total of 345 for 6 in 50 overs. This remarkable feat made him only the ninth player in Vijay Hazare Trophy history to score a double century and matched Sanju Samson’s 212* in 2019 as the joint fourth-highest individual score in the tournament.

Vijay Hazare Trophy Highest Individual Scores

• Narayan Jagadeesan: 277 vs Arunachal Pradesh (2022)
• Prithvi Shaw: 227* vs Puducherry (2021)
• Ruturaj Gaikwad: 220* vs Uttar Pradesh (2022)
• Sanju Samson: 212* vs Goa (2019)
• Swastik Samal: 212 vs Saurashtra (2025)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 203 vs Jharkhand (2019)
• Karn Kaushal: 202 vs Sikkim (2018)
• Samarth Vyas: 200 vs Manipur (2022)

Samal also broke Odisha’s long-standing List A record, surpassing the previous highest score of 145 set in 2005.

Saurashtra’s Chase and Odisha’s Narrow Defeat

Despite Samal’s heroics, Saurashtra mounted a remarkable chase. Vishvaraj Jadeja (50), Sammar Gajjar (132), and Chirag Jani (86) helped Saurashtra reach the target of 346 in 48.5 overs, securing a five-wicket victory.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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