Swastik Samal made history on Wednesday, December 24, by scoring an impressive 212 runs off 169 balls for Odisha in their Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Saurashtra in Alur. With this remarkable feat, he became the first batter from Odisha to hit a double hundred in List A cricket. His innings was a thrilling blend of aggression and skill, boasting a strike rate of 125.44, and included 21 boundaries and eight sixes during his time at the crease. This innings also stands as the fifth-highest score ever recorded in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, surpassing Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 203 for Mumbai against Jharkhand back in 2019. Samal’s performance helped propel Odisha to a solid total of 345 for six in their 50 overs, setting a challenging target for Saurashtra. Even though Odisha ultimately lost the match, Samal’s display showcased his ability to take charge against the bowlers and deliver a long-lasting impact. In addition to his individual brilliance, Samal formed a massive 261-run partnership for the fourth wicket with captain Biplab Samantray, who contributed a solid 100 off 91 balls. Their collaboration was crucial in pulling Odisha back from an early slump and turning the game around. The pair exhibited excellent running between the wickets, smart shot selection, and poise under pressure, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships in one-day cricket. Read also: Why is LSG Sending Their Bowlers to South Africa During SA20? Becomes the eighth batter to hit a double century in VHT history With this innings, Samal became the eighth player in the history of the Vijay Hazare Trophy to score a double-century. He now joins an elite list of players, including N Jagadeesan (277), Prithvi Shaw (227*), Ruturaj Gaikwad (220*), Sanju Samson (212*), Yashasvi Jaiswal (203), KV Kaushal (202), and SB Vyas (200). This achievement marks a significant milestone in his career and firmly establishes him as a rising star in Indian domestic cricket. In just 11 List A matches, Samal has impressively racked up 521 runs, boasting an average of 52.10, which includes three fifties. This marks his first-ever triple-digit score in the 50-over format, showcasing his ability to deliver big innings consistently. Samal’s record-breaking performance isn’t just a personal achievement; it serves as a beacon of inspiration for young cricketers from Odisha, demonstrating that with talent and dedication, historic accomplishments are possible, even in high-stakes tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy.