The festive spirit of Navratri extended to the outskirts of Vadodara as Baroda dominated the second day of their Ranji Trophy opener against defending champions Mumbai. The lower order added a crucial 49 runs to help Baroda post 290 runs on a turning track at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. The bowling unit, led by veteran left-arm spinner Bhargav Bhatt, then dismissed Mumbai for 214, securing a handy 76-run lead.
Baroda’s captain, Krunal Pandya, and coach’s tactics proved effective as they shared the new ball with left-arm spin duo Bhargav Bhatt. Krunal dismissed Prithvi Shaw, while Ranji debutant Ayush Mhatre and Hardik Tamore saw off the morning session. Mhatre impressed with his inside-out lofted drive and ability to rotate strike. However, after reaching his maiden fifty, he miscued a pull shot, ending his promising innings.
Mumbai’s batting collapsed as they lost three wickets for one run in 18 balls. Tamore, Rahane, and Shreyas Iyer departed, leaving Mumbai reeling at 141 for five. Left-arm pacer Akash Singh then restricted Mumbai’s lower order. He bowled a yorker that Siddhesh Lad played onto his stumps and an inswinger that rattled Tanush Kotian’s stumps. Akash fittingly ended the innings by forcing Shardul Thakur to whip one to deep midwicket.
Baroda’s top-order must rectify their mistakes from the first innings to increase their chances of an outright win against Mumbai. The day belonged to the home team, who celebrated the last day of the Navratri festival.
