Baroda vs Mumbai, Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Elite Group A: Baroda Stuns Mumbai with 84-Run Victory

Baroda triumphed over Mumbai by 84 runs in a thrilling Elite Group A match of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. Bhargav Bhatt’s outstanding bowling performance (6/55) in Mumbai’s second innings was instrumental in the hosts' victory, earning Baroda 6 crucial points while Mumbai was left empty-handed.

Baroda's First Innings: Steady Contributions Lead to 290

Baroda, having won the toss and opted to bat, posted a respectable 290 in their first innings, thanks to gritty efforts from Mitesh Patel (86) and Atit Sheth (66). Despite early wickets falling on Day 1, Patel and Sheth’s 130-run partnership revived Baroda from a precarious position of 90-5. Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian (4/61) and Shams Mulani (3/111) were the chief wreckers, but Baroda managed to fight back and post a competitive total.

Mumbai's First Innings: Bhargav Bhatt Strikes

In response, Mumbai struggled against Baroda’s disciplined bowling attack. Ayush Mhatre (52) and Hardik Tamore (40) provided some stability, but Mumbai lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 214, trailing by 76 runs. Bhargav Bhatt was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/53, while Mahesh Pithiya and Abhimanyu Singh chipped in with crucial wickets.

Baroda’s Second Innings: Krunal Pandya Anchors as Wickets Tumble

Baroda’s second innings began with early wickets falling in quick succession as Tanush Kotian (5/61) and Himanshu Singh (3/50) ripped through their top order. However, captain Krunal Pandya’s patient 55 and Mahesh Pithiya’s 40 helped Baroda recover and post 185, setting Mumbai a target of 262. Baroda’s innings was marked by resilience, as they recovered from 41-6 to set a challenging total for Mumbai.

Mumbai's Second Innings Collapse

Chasing 262, Mumbai’s top order faltered against Baroda’s spin-heavy attack. Bhargav Bhatt’s brilliant spell took the wind out of Mumbai’s chase, claiming 6 wickets and putting Baroda in control. Despite a fighting half-century from Siddhesh Lad (59) and contributions from Shreyas Iyer (30), Mumbai crumbled to 177 all out in 48.2 overs. Bhatt, supported by Mahesh Pithiya (2/68), ensured Baroda secured a famous victory by 84 runs.

Match Summary:

• Baroda 1st Innings: 290 all out (Mitesh Patel 86, Atit Sheth 66; Tanush Kotian 4/61)
• Mumbai 1st Innings: 214 all out (Ayush Mhatre 52, Hardik Tamore 40; Bhargav Bhatt 4/53)
• Baroda 2nd Innings: 185 all out (Krunal Pandya 55, Mahesh Pithiya 40; Tanush Kotian 5/61)
• Mumbai 2nd Innings: 177 all out (Siddhesh Lad 59, Shreyas Iyer 30; Bhargav Bhatt 6/55)

Result:

Baroda won by 84 runs.