Andhra vs Odisha Match Preview – 28 November 2025
Venue and Match Details
The upcoming clash between Andhra and Odisha will take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. The match is scheduled to start at 05:30 GMT. With the weather forecast currently at 0°C, players and fans alike will be bracing for potentially challenging conditions, especially if the game extends into the evening session.
Team Form and Key Players
Andhra – A Batting-Heavy Lineup with Tactical Depth
Andhra has been in good form, particularly in their batting department. Shaik Rasheed leads the charge with an impressive 244 runs in the last five matches, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings. Ricky Bhui (196 runs) and Ashwin Hebbar (156 runs) provide a solid middle order, with KV Sasikanth (89 runs and 8 wickets) playing a dual role as a finisher and a key frontline bowler.
In the bowling department, Andhra has an array of options. KV Sasikanth remains the standout performer with 8 wickets, while V. Satyanarayana Penmetsa and Cheepurapalli Stephen have also chipped in with 7 wickets each. Their spin department, led by Tripurana Vijay (6 wickets), could be a valuable asset in the colder conditions.
Odisha – Balanced Attack with Bowling Prowess
Odisha, on the other hand, boasts a well-balanced squad with a potent bowling attack. The team's top run-scorer, Biplab Samantray, has amassed 178 runs in the last five games, while Sandeep Pattnaik (159) and Aditya Rout (158) add firepower to the middle order. Gaurav Choudhary (146 runs) has shown consistency with the bat, ensuring the team can chase down stiff targets.
The real strength of Odisha lies in its bowling unit. Biplab Samantray stands out as a dual threat, having contributed 13 wickets and 178 runs. Sarbeswar Mohanty and Rajesh Mohanty have also been in fine form, with 10 and 6 wickets respectively. The team's ability to swing the ball and take wickets regularly could be a major factor in this match, especially in the cooler temperatures.
Head-to-Head and Tactical Considerations
In previous encounters, both teams have shown a competitive edge, often going down to the wire. This match promises to be another tightly contested affair, with both sides having the potential to dominate. Andhra's consistent batting, led by Rasheed and Bhui, could set up a formidable total, while Odisha's aggressive bowling and lower-order batting might allow them to chase effectively.
The weather will play a crucial role. If the pitch is slow or conducive to spin, Andhra's spinners could find their rhythm. However, if the wicket remains helpful for seam, Odisha's pace attack could take control.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Shaik Rasheed (Andhra) vs Biplab Samantray (Odisha): This battle between the top run-scorers could define the flow of the match.
- KV Sasikanth (Andhra) vs Sandeep Pattnaik (Odisha): A tactical duel between two key all-rounders who can impact both ends.
- Biplab Samantray (Odisha) vs Ricky Bhui (Andhra): A high-stakes confrontation between two of the most impactful players on their respective teams.
Prediction
With both teams in decent form and a competitive edge, this match is expected to be a close contest. However, Odisha's superior bowling depth and all-round contributions from Biplab Samantray give them a slight edge. If they can restrict Andhra's batters and chase efficiently, Odisha could emerge victorious.
Prediction: Odisha to win by a narrow margin.
Stay tuned for the live updates and ball-by-ball commentary as this exciting encounter unfolds at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on 28 November 2025.
“`
