Left-arm spinner Bhargav Bhatt delivered a masterclass in bowling, taking six wickets to lead Baroda to a remarkable 84-run victory over defending champions Mumbai on the final day of their Group A Ranji Trophy match. Bhatt’s brilliant figures of 6/55 from 19.4 overs decimated the Mumbai batting lineup, sealing an unforgettable win for Baroda in a match that saw fortunes swing dramatically over four days.
Mumbai, chasing 262 for victory, crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 177 in just 48.2 overs. Beginning the day at 42 for 2, Mumbai needed 220 more runs to win. However, their batting faltered as Bhatt’s lethal spin left them in disarray. Despite a valiant 41-run partnership between top-scorer Siddhesh Lad (59) and Shreyas Iyer (30), Mumbai’s famed batting order collapsed, losing eight wickets for just 135 runs in 38.5 overs.
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The day began with Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane at the crease, but he was the first to fall on Monday, scoring just 12 runs before Bhatt dismissed him. Soon after, his overnight batting partner Ayush Mhatre (22) followed, also falling to Bhatt’s relentless spin attack. Bhatt continued his dominance, removing key batters, including Iyer and Lad, who was the last wicket to fall.
Bhargav Bhatt fittingly ends the game in what could have been the last over of the 30-minute extension! Siddhesh Lad drives one back to the bowler and Mumbai are all out for 177. Baroda win by 84 runs! #BARvMUM #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/nRKRpHxJdH
— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) October 14, 2024
Baroda had gained a crucial advantage on the second day by securing a 76-run first-innings lead, thanks to a disciplined effort from their bowlers. However, Mumbai fought back on the third day as off-spinner Tanush Kotian picked up five wickets, bowling Baroda out for 185 in their second innings.
Despite Kotian’s heroics, Mumbai couldn’t handle Bhatt’s spin on the final day, and Baroda completed a memorable victory.
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Brief Scores:
Baroda: 290 and 185 all out in 60.3 overs (Krunal Pandya 55; Tanush Kotian 5/61); Mumbai: 214 and 177 all out in 48.2 overs (Siddhesh Lad 59, Shreyas Iyer 30; Bhargav Bhatt 6/55)
Elsewhere in Delhi, Services defeated Meghalaya by an innings and 65 runs.
