In the opening match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Odisha's Swastik Samal delivered a remarkable performance,
scoring 212 runs against Saurashtra at the KSCA Cricket Ground. This innings places him alongside Sanju Samson with the
joint fourth-highest individual score in the tournament's history. Samal's innings marked his first List A century,
which he converted into a double century, becoming only the ninth player to achieve this feat in the Vijay Hazare
Odisha faced an early setback after being put in to bat, struggling at 59 for 3. Samal then partnered with captain
Biplab Samantray, and together they added 261 runs for the fourth wicket. Samantray contributed a century of his own,
scoring 100 off 91 balls. Samal's innings included 21 fours and eight sixes, contributing to Odisha's total of 345 for
Despite Samal's individual achievement and the significant partnership, Saurashtra successfully chased the target in
48.5 overs, winning by five wickets. Key contributions from Vishvaraj Jadeja (50), Sammar Gajjar (132), and Chirag Jani
(86) ensured Saurashtra's victory.
Samal's score surpassed the previous highest List A score for Odisha, which was 145, set in 2005. While his innings is a
significant personal milestone, the context of the match underscores the importance of collective performance in
achieving victory. The Vijay Hazare Trophy has seen higher individual scores, with Narayan Jagadeesan's 277 at the top,
followed by Prithvi Shaw's 227* and Ruturaj Gaikwad's 220*.
Samal's performance reflects the potential for individual brilliance to elevate a team's chances, but it also highlights
the necessity of a cohesive team effort to secure wins. His double century serves as a benchmark for future performances
in the tournament, setting a high standard for individual excellence.