THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

RAYAGADA, FEBRUARY 15, 2026

SP XI emerged champions while Tikiri Railway XI finished runners-up as the Stakeholders Friendship Cricket Match–2026 concluded in style at the Oshapada Township playground in Rayagada with a day-and-night final that blended competitive cricket and camaraderie.

In the final, SP XI won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that proved decisive. Their disciplined bowling attack bundled out Tikiri Railway XI for a modest 44 runs in nine overs despite a spirited resistance. Chasing the target, SP XI displayed composure with the bat, reaching the winning total with the loss of three wickets to claim the championship.

Organised by Utkal Alumina International Ltd. (UAIL), a Hindalco Industries unit of the Aditya Birla Group located at Doraguda in Tikiri, the one-day friendly tournament brought together six teams — Collector XI, SP XI, Visakhapatnam Railway XI, Tikiri Railway XI, CRPF XI and host Hindalco XI — highlighting strong bonding among administration, security forces, railways and industry stakeholders.

UAIL Unit Head Rabi Narayan Mishra inaugurated the event and urged players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.

The league stage witnessed keenly fought encounters, with Tikiri Railway XI defeating Visakhapatnam Railway XI to secure direct qualification for the final on the basis of superior run rate. SP XI and Hindalco XI progressed to the semifinal after winning their respective league matches, where SP XI produced a clinical performance to overcome the hosts and seal a berth in the title clash.

The trophy and medals were presented to the victorious SP XI by Sub-Collector Ramesh Kumar Jena in the presence of UAIL Unit Head Rabi Narayan Mishra and Aditya Refinery Project Head Mazhar Beig. The runner-up Tikiri Railway XI received their awards from Deputy Collector Kailash Chandra Swain along with the same dignitaries.

Individual brilliance was also recognised during the prize distribution ceremony. Ramakant was adjudged Best Bowler of the tournament, Sikandar received the Best Catch award, Shubhankar was named Best Wicketkeeper, while N. Satpathy, Mohan and Akash earned Man of the Match honours in different games.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests including CRPF 4th Battalion Commandant Firoz Kujru, Lt. Commandant Sanjay Raut, Doraguda Police Station ICC Kiran Bala Samal and Reserve Police Inspector Kabibar Dehuri, along with senior officials from UAIL and the Aditya Refinery.

The tournament was conducted under the supervision of PR, Liaison and Corporate Affairs GM Pitambar Behera with active support from department heads and the organising committee, while logistical arrangements such as stage décor, refreshments and catering were managed by Admin Manager Bhoj Raj.