Baroda Upsets Mumbai in Ranji Trophy Opener

Baroda stunned defending champions Mumbai by 84 runs in their opening match of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, with left-arm spinner Bhargav Bhatt taking a remarkable 10-wicket haul (6/55 in the second innings). Chasing a target of 262 runs, Mumbai collapsed to 177 all out, with Siddhesh Lad's 59 being the only noteworthy contribution. Mumbai struggled after losing key players like captain Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer, both dismissed by Bhatt. The match showcased a challenging pitch that aided spinners, particularly in the latter stages. Baroda's victory marks a strong start to their season, while Mumbai will look to rebound against Maharashtra on October 18. This match highlights the unpredictability of the Ranji Trophy, as teams aim to establish early dominance in the tournament.