Wed Dec 24 09:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:
Headline: Swastik Samal Blasts Double Century in Vijay Hazare Trophy, Joins Elite Club
Alur, Karnataka – Odisha’s Swastik Samal etched his name in the record books on [Insert Date – Assuming this is Round 1 of the 2025-26 season], smashing a brilliant double-century against Saurashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 25-year-old left-handed opener’s blistering innings of 212 runs off just 169 balls helped Odisha post a formidable 345/6 at the KSCA Cricket Ground in Alur.
Samal’s knock, characterized by aggressive strokeplay and solid technique, featured 21 boundaries and eight towering sixes. He dominated the Saurashtra bowling attack, scoring at a strike rate of 125.44. Crucially, he forged a massive 261-run partnership for the fourth wicket with captain Biplab Samantray, who contributed a valuable 100 off 91 balls, rescuing Odisha after early wickets.
With this double century, Samal becomes only the eighth batsman to achieve the feat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, joining an elite list of players including N. Jagadeesan, Prithvi Shaw, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Sanju Samson. He now holds the fifth-highest individual score in the tournament’s history.
While Samal’s heroics powered Odisha to a strong total, Saurashtra ultimately chased down the 346-run target, dampening the celebrations somewhat.
This was Samal’s first century in List A cricket, elevating his record to 521 runs at an average of 52.10 across 11 matches. With this landmark innings, Samal has announced himself as a force to be reckoned with in Indian domestic cricket.
First Piper 