Cuttack, Sept 17: Cuttack Panthers kicked off the Odisha Pro T20 League 2025 with a nail-biting three-wicket victory over Bhubaneswar Tigers at Barabati Stadium on Wednesday.
Opting to bowl first, the Panthers restricted the Tigers to 188/5. Gourav Choudhary smashed a scintillating 78 off 43 balls, while Rajesh Dhupar added 65. Vageesh Sharma (2/25) and Soubhagya Rout (2/31) were the standout bowlers for Cuttack.
Chasing 189, openers Swastik Samal (52 off 32) and Panakala Sasanka (46 off 40) gave the Panthers a perfect start, adding 74 runs for the first wicket. Biplab Samantaray chipped in with a quick 13 off 11 balls to keep the chase on track. Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Sourav Gouda (34* off 19) and Subham Satrujit (11* off 11) held their nerve, taking Cuttack to 189/7 with one ball to spare.
Badal Biswal was the pick of the bowlers for Bhubaneswar with 2/26, while Sambit Beja returned 1/27.
Sourav Gouda was adjudged Player of the Match for his calm and composed finish under pressure.
Scorecard
Bhubaneswar Tigers – 188/5 (20 overs)
Gourav Choudhary 78 (43)
Rajesh Dhupar 65
Vageesh Sharma 4-1-25-2
Soubhagya Rout 3-0-31-2
Cuttack Panthers – 189/7 (19.5 overs)
Swastik Samal 52 (32)
Panakala Sasanka 46 (40)
Biplab Samantaray 13 (11)
Sourav Gouda 34* (19)
Subham Satrujit 11* (11)
Badal Biswal 4-0-26-2
Sambit Beja 4-0-27-1
Result: Cuttack Panthers won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: Sourav K Gouda
Tags: odisha pro t20 league 2025, cuttack panthers, bhubaneswar tigers, barabati stadium, optl cricket