KER vs ODI, Group A — Match Preview: Kerala vs Odisha, 26 November 2025

Date: 26 November 2025
Time: 08:00 GMT (1:30 PM Local Time)
Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium B, Lucknow, India
Series: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite
Format: T20

Match Overview

Kerala and Odisha are set to clash in what promises to be an exciting encounter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite group stage. The match will take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium B in Lucknow, a venue known for its balanced pitch that offers assistance to both batters and bowlers.

With both teams coming into the match with strong T20 credentials, this fixture is shaping up to be a crucial one in the race for a top finish in Group A.

Team Form & Key Players

Kerala (KER)

Kerala will be looking to build on their recent performances, with some standout individual contributions from their top-order batters and pace attack. Sanju Samson has been in scintillating form, scoring 368 runs in his last five matches, making him the cornerstone of the top order. Krishna Prasad (298 runs) and Salman Nizar (275 runs) have also played pivotal roles, adding depth to the batting lineup.

On the bowling front, Kerala’s attack is spearheaded by KM Asif, who has taken 10 wickets in his last five matches. His ability to pick up early wickets will be crucial in curbing the opposition’s momentum. Akhil Scaria (9 wickets) and Vignesh Puthur (5 wickets) are expected to provide strong support with the ball.

Odisha (ODI)

Odisha, too, comes into this match with a well-rounded squad, led by Sandeep Pattnaik, who has amassed 159 runs in his last five games. Aditya Rout and Biplab Samantray have also made significant contributions with the bat, scoring 158 runs each. Gaurav Choudhary adds further depth with 154 runs to his name.

In terms of bowling, Odisha has a potent attack led by Biplab Samantray, who has taken 13 wickets in five matches. Sarbeswar Mohanty (10 wickets) and Rajesh Mohanty (7 wickets) will look to support him and maintain pressure on the Kerala batters.

Head-to-Head

While the head-to-head record between Kerala and Odisha in recent T20 encounters is closely contested, both teams have shown they are capable of outperforming the other on their day. The key will lie in how both sides handle the conditions and execute their game plans.

Venue & Pitch Report

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium B in Lucknow is a modern venue with a well-maintained pitch. It typically offers a good balance between batting and bowling, with the early part of the innings often determining the match's direction. The overcast weather could play into the hands of the spinners, but the pace bowlers are also likely to find movement.

Weather Forecast

The match is expected to start in relatively cool conditions, with the temperature around 0°C. While the temperature is not a major concern for T20 cricket, it could influence the bounce and swing in the initial overs. Players will need to be alert as the conditions may suit the fast bowlers early on.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Sanju Samson vs Biplab Samantray: A battle between two of the most dangerous performers in their respective teams. Samson’s aggressive batting style could pose a challenge to the experienced Biplab.
• KM Asif vs Sandeep Pattnaik: A classic pace vs batting duel. Asif's ability to bowl tight lines and extract early movement will be key to containing Pattnaik’s attacking intent.
• Spin Battle: The spinners from both sides will play a crucial role, especially in the middle overs, as the pitch is expected to offer some assistance to them.

Prediction

This is a match where both teams have the potential to win, depending on how they adapt to the conditions and their execution. Kerala’s explosive batting lineup might give them a slight edge, but Odisha’s disciplined bowling and consistent performances could see them take control.

Prediction: Kerala to win by a narrow margin.

Where to Watch & Follow

Fans can follow the KER vs ODI T20 match live on MyFinal11.in for real-time scores, updates, and commentary. The match will also be available for live streaming on various cricket platforms.

Final Word

The Kerala vs Odisha clash on 26 November 2025 promises to be a high-stakes encounter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite. With both teams packed with talent and a balanced squad, it's a match not to be missed. The battle for the top of the group will take a big hit depending on who comes out on top.
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