OPTL 2025: Sambalpur Warriors Clinch Last Semifinal Spot With Thrilling Win; Keonjhar Miners & Rourkela Steelers Miss Out

Cuttack: The inaugural Odisha Pro T20 League (OPTL) 2025 moved into its business end after a thrilling match wrapped up the league stage on Wednesday night.

In a winner-take-all contest, Sambalpur Warriors pipped Keonjhar Miners by 3 wickets with one ball to spare at Barabati Stadium, thereby claiming the last semifinal spot.

With both teams needing a win to advance to the knockout stages of the league, Keonjha Miners posted 141/9 in 20 overs, thanks to Govinda Poddar’s brilliant 71 off 36 balls. In reply, skipper Subhranshu Senapati (40 off 36) anchored the chase, but it was Prayash Singh’s unbeaten 26 off 16 balls that sealed victory. With 2 runs needed off 2 balls, Prayash hit a six to knock out Keonjhar.

Sambalpur (14 points) finished second in the six-team standings, as they joined Cuttack Panthers (14), Bhubaneswar Tigers (12) and Puri Titans (10) in the last-four stage.

Keonjhar (10 points) and Rourkela Steelers (2) were eliminated.

In the semifinals, Bhubaneswar Tigers take on Sambalpur Warriors, and Cuttack Panthers face Puri Titans.

Here are final league standings: