“All the hard work has paid off” - Krunal Pandya reflects as Baroda beat Mumbai for first time in 26 years during 2024-25 Ranji Trophy
Baroda captain Krunal Pandya took to social media to celebrate his team’s victory over Mumbai in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match on Monday, October 14. This win marked Baroda’s first triumph over the defending champions in 26 years, with their last victory coming by four wickets in the 1998-99 season.
Chasing a target of 262, Mumbai were bowled out for 177, with Siddhesh Lad shining with 59 runs off 94 balls. However, senior players Prithvi Shaw (12), Shreyas Iyer (30), and captain Ajinkya Rahane (12) struggled to make an impact, resulting in an 84-run loss for the defending champions.
Following this historic win, Krunal Pandya shared a post on Instagram, writing:
“26 years long wait to get a win over Mumbai and we did it! So, so proud of this team, all the effort, all the hard work has paid off. Onwards and upwards.”
Baroda will square off against Services, while Mumbai will take on Maharashtra in the Round 2 matches of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, starting on Friday, October 18.
Bhargav Bhatt shines with the ball as Baroda register a historic win against Mumbai
Baroda won the toss and elected to bat first. Krunal Pandya’s side didn’t have an ideal start, losing half their wickets for just 90 runs. However, keeper-batter Mitesh Patel (86) and Atit Sheth (66) formed a crucial 130-run partnership for the sixth wicket, stabilizing the innings. Baroda ended their first innings with a total of 290 runs, while Tanush Kotian took four wickets for Mumbai.
In response, the defending champions were bowled out for 214, with Ayush Mhatre top-scoring with 52 runs. Bhargav Bhatt shone for Baroda, taking four wickets.
In the second innings, Krunal led from the front, contributing an important 55 runs as Baroda were all out for 185, setting a target of 262 runs. Mumbai's batters struggled to form effective partnerships, consistently losing wickets, and ultimately lost the match by 84 runs. Bhargav excelled, taking six wickets while conceding just 55 runs, helping his side secure a winning start.