Match Preview: Odisha vs Vidarbha – Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite, 30 November 2025

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

Match Context

Both Odisha and Vidarbha enter this contest in search of their first win of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 season. The two teams are currently the bottom two in the Elite Group A, with both having tasted defeat in their opening two matches. This encounter, therefore, is not just a battle for points but also a crucial opportunity to reignite their campaigns and lay the foundation for a potential run in the tournament.

Team Insights

Vidarbha: Searching for Consistency

Vidarbha's T20 journey this season has been a tale of missed opportunities. Under the leadership of Harsh Dubey, the side has struggled to convert strong starts into substantial totals. Their first match saw them fall short chasing a modest target of 134, while in the second, despite a blistering start by openers Aman Mokhade and Atharva Taide (118 for 2 in 10 overs), the middle order failed to capitalize, and they were eventually outscored by Mumbai.

The key for Vidarbha lies in the middle order's ability to withstand pressure and build partnerships. Batsmen like Suryakumar Deshpande and Ankit Bawne will be under the spotlight to back up the quick start. The spinners, particularly Akash Mahant, will also need to play a pivotal role in containing the Odisha batters and swinging the game in their favor.

Odisha: Needing a Stronger Start

Odisha’s campaign has been equally challenging. They were comprehensively outplayed in their opener, losing to Kerala by 10 wickets, and followed it up with a heavy 66-run defeat against Andhra. The team has struggled with both batting and bowling, and their fielding has also come under scrutiny.

A key concern for Odisha is their inability to post competitive totals. Their batters have often failed to get the innings going, and their bowlers have struggled to contain opposition openers. If Odisha are to pick up their first win, they’ll need a strong all-round performance, with the top order providing a solid foundation and the pacers like Ravi Pratap Singh and spinners like Debashish Mohanty executing their roles effectively.

Key Matchups

• Aman Mokhade (Vidarbha) vs Odisha’s Bowlers: The Vidarbha opener has been in fine form in the tournament so far and could be the key to an explosive start.
• Ravi Pratap Singh (Odisha) vs Vidarbha’s Middle Order: The Odisha pacer will be keen to exploit any frailty in Vidarbha’s batting line-up after their recent wobbliness.
• Spin Battle: Both teams possess quality spin options. The effectiveness of Vidarbha’s Akash Mahant and Odisha’s Debashish Mohanty could be the difference between a tight finish and a runaway match.

Weather and Venue Conditions

The match will be played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B, Lucknow, a venue known for its balanced conditions. The pitch tends to assist both batters and bowlers, with the surface offering some turn as the game progresses. The weather is expected to be pleasant, with no threat of rain, which should allow for an uninterrupted contest.

Prediction

Both teams are on equal footing in terms of form and need a win to keep their hopes alive. However, Vidarbha's slightly better batting depth and experience in high-pressure chases may give them the edge. A strong start with the bat and a disciplined bowling spell could see them edge past Odisha.

Prediction: Vidarbha to win by 5-10 runs

Match Stats to Watch

• Top Order Performance: Who will get the team off to a solid start?
• Spin Economy: How effective will the spinners be in the middle overs?
• Fielding Errors: Can either team capitalize on the other's fielding lapses?

This match is a must-watch for cricket fans, as it could set the tone for both teams' campaigns in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With both sides needing a win, the battle at Ekana Stadium promises to be a tense and thrilling affair.
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