Kerala vs Odisha, SMAT Elite, 2025, Today Match Prediction 26 November 2025

KEL vs ODSA Match Prediction & Analysis

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 continues to heat up as Kerala face Odisha in Match 15 at Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground, Lucknow. Kerala began their campaign with a solid showing last season but couldn’t progress beyond the group stages, and they now aim to start strong with a more experienced squad led by Sanju V Samson. Odisha, on the other hand, struggled with consistency last season, finishing lower mid-table. With both teams seeking early momentum to push for qualification, this clash becomes crucial to set the tone for their campaign. Kerala’s batting firepower and balanced bowling attack face Odisha’s youthful energy and determined lineup. A must-win scenario for both in the early race for group supremacy.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Kerala Preview

Kerala enter SMAT 2025 with a squad rich in talent and experience under the leadership of Sanju V Samson, who scored 221 runs at a strike rate of 149.0 last season. Opening batter Rohan S Kunnummal, who averaged 37.5 with 162 strike rate, provides aggressive starts, alongside Mohammed Azharuddeen, known for his explosive T20 style. Vishnu Vinod scored 175 runs in the last season and offers finishing capabilities. With the ball, Nidheesh M D was their leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets at 7.12 economy, supported by Ahamed Imran (9 wickets). All-rounder Asif KM contributed with both bat (avg 22.4) and crucial overs. In their warm-up match this season, Sanju Samson scored 42 off 28, while Nidheesh took 3/21, indicating strong form. Kerala’s strength lies in top-order batting and reliable seam attack. However, their spin department led by Sharafuddeen and Krishna Prasad needs to perform better in middle overs. With experienced finishers and tactical depth, Kerala look like strong contenders to start their campaign with a win.

Key Players: Sanju V Samson, Rohan S Kunnummal, Nidheesh M D

Kerala Predicted Playing XI:

Sanju V Samson (C), Rohan S Kunnummal, Mohammed Azharuddeen M, Ahammed Imran (VC), Vishnu Vinod, Asif KM, Nidheesh M D, Akhil Scaria, Sharafuddeen NM, Krishna Prasad, Salman Nizar

Odisha Preview

Odisha will look to improve upon last season’s campaign where they finished sixth in their group. Their batting revolves around Ankit Kumar, who scored 203 runs at 136 strike rate last season, and Govinda Poddar, the most experienced player in the side. In their opening match of this season, Ankit Kumar made 38 (25), while Subhranshu Senapati contributed 31 (27) in a narrow defeat. Bowling-wise, Suryakant Pradhan led with 12 wickets, including a best of 4/22, and continues to be their key strike option. Rajesh Mohanty took 2 wickets in their opener this season, showing rhythm early. However, Odisha’s middle-order struggles and higher dot-ball percentage (41% from last season) remain a concern in pressure situations. Their record away from home has also been poor, winning just 1 of their last 7 matches on neutral venues. They will rely heavily on early wickets to restrict Kerala’s attacking line-up.

Key Players: Ankit Kumar, Suryakant Pradhan, Subhranshu Senapati

Odisha Predicted Playing XI:

Ankit Kumar, Subhranshu Senapati, Govinda Poddar (C), Shantanu Mishra, Biplab Samantray, Abhishek Raut, Pradhan, Rajesh Mohanty, Debabrata Pradhan, Soubhagya Rout, Prayas Singh

Weather Conditions

Clear conditions are expected in Lucknow with temperatures ranging between 26–29°C in the evening. Humidity around 55% could aid swing bowling early but dew may settle late in the second innings, making it slightly easier for chasing. Rain is not expected, and wind speeds will remain below 8 km/h.

KEL vs ODSA Pitch Report

Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground generally assists slower bowlers and cutters, with the ball gripping as the match progresses. Typical first innings score is 155–160, though totals above 170 are defendable. Boundaries are slightly larger than average, making running between the wickets crucial. Teams usually field an extra spinner here.

Toss: To Bat

Teams batting first have had better success at the Ekana B Ground due to slower pitch conditions later in the innings. Both Kerala and Odisha have won more matches batting first in T20 cricket. Expect the captain winning the toss to opt to bat first and defend between 160–170 runs.