Cuttack, Sept. 21 -- Captain Gourav Choudhury struck 88 from 46 balls as Sambalpur Warriors beat defending champions Kataka Panthers by nine runs in their opening match of the Odisha Pro T20 League 2026 at Barabati Stadium on Sunday.

Last season's runners-up made 193-8 before restricting Kataka to 184-9 in a contest that remained alive until the final over.

Choudhury provided the centrepiece of Sambalpur's innings, hitting nine fours and six sixes in an aggressive knock. He was joined by Shantanu Mishra, whose 60 from 40 balls included six fours and two sixes, according to a release.

The pair put on 136 for the opening wicket, taking Sambalpur to 55 without loss after six overs and 105-0 at halfway. Kataka did not make their first brea...