Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Complete Analysis of Historic 439-Run Victory

Last Updated: January 27, 2025

Quick Match Summary: The Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard tells a story of complete domination. Playing at the Golf Club Ground in Nasik from January 23-26, 2025, Maharashtra steamrolled Baroda by 439 runs in what became one of the most lopsided victories of the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 season. This comprehensive Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard showcases exceptional performances from both bat and ball.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match statistics and reports from the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 season. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers should verify specific statistics from official sources. The analysis and opinions expressed are based on expert cricket knowledge and match observations.

Best Performances from Both Teams

The Thrilling Contest Unfolds

When cricket fans look up the Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard, they witness a masterclass in four-day cricket. The match kicked off on Thursday morning with Baroda winning the toss and choosing to field first—a decision that would haunt them throughout the contest.

First Innings Drama

The Maharashtra Cricket Team posted 297 runs in their first innings, thanks to wicketkeeper-batsman Saurabh Nawale’s crucial 83 off 152 balls. Siddhesh Veer contributed a solid 48, while the lower order chipped in to push the total close to 300. For the Baroda Cricket Team, Atit Sheth was exceptional with the ball, claiming 6 wickets for 71 runs in 22.4 overs—a performance that briefly gave Baroda hope.

However, when Baroda came out to bat, they crumbled spectacularly. The entire team was bundled out for just 145 runs in 33.1 overs. CSK star Mukesh Choudhary led the bowling attack with 3 wickets for 57 runs, while Rajneesh Gurbani picked up 2 for 31. Only Mitesh Patel (61 off 66 balls) and Mahesh Pithiya (36 off 18 balls) showed any resistance against the Maharashtra bowling attack.

Maharashtra’s Second Innings Domination

With a first-innings lead of 152 runs, the Maharashtra Cricket Team came out with clear intent. They declared their second innings at a massive 464 for 7 in 119 overs, setting Baroda an impossible target of 617 runs.

This is where Saurabh Nawale truly shone. After his 83 in the first innings, he remained unbeaten on 126 off 200 balls in the second, showcasing remarkable consistency and temperament. Ramakrishna Ghosh narrowly missed his century, falling for 99 off 134 balls—a knock that put the match beyond Baroda’s reach.

The Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard in the second innings shows contributions from across the batting order. Ruturaj Gaikwad (66 off 54 balls) and Siddhesh Veer (37 off 83 balls) provided the perfect platform, while the middle order capitalized ruthlessly.

Best Performances From Maharashtra Cricket Team

The Final Day Collapse

Chasing an improbable 617, the Baroda Cricket Team needed their top order to fire. Instead, they managed just 177 runs in 36 overs on the final day. The Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team match ended in comprehensive fashion as Mukesh Choudhary claimed his maiden first-class five-wicket haul, finishing with 5 for 76 in 13 overs.

Atit Sheth (51 off 71 balls) and Jyotsnil Singh (40 off 44 balls) tried to salvage some pride, but the target was always beyond reach. Rajneesh Gurbani supported Choudhary brilliantly with 3 wickets for 54 runs, while Ramakrishna Ghosh chipped in with 2 wickets.

What Made This Victory Special?

The 439-run margin of victory stands as one of the biggest wins in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. Several factors contributed to Maharashtra’s dominance:

1. Saurabh Nawale’s Consistency: The wicketkeeper-batsman scored 209 runs across two innings without being dismissed in the second innings. His ability to anchor innings while also taking five catches behind the stumps proved invaluable.
2. Mukesh Choudhary’s Breakthrough: The CSK pacer had struggled for form earlier in the season, but this match saw him claim his maiden first-class five-for. His ability to swing the ball both ways troubled Baroda’s batsmen throughout.
3. Team Effort: Unlike matches dominated by one or two players, this Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard shows contributions from multiple players—Siddhesh Veer, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the bowling unit all played their parts.
4. Shrewd Declaration: Maharashtra’s declaration at 464/7 gave them just enough time to bowl out Baroda on the final day. The timing proved perfect as they needed less than 40 overs to seal victory.

Tournament Context and Implications

This victory came at a crucial time for both teams in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25. For the Maharashtra Cricket Team, it was only their second win of the season and provided a much-needed boost to their campaign. While their knockout hopes remained slim, the comprehensive nature of this win gave the team tremendous confidence.

For the Baroda Cricket Team, this loss complicated their qualification scenario significantly. Sitting in second place in Elite Group A before this match, they needed to regroup quickly for their crucial final-round fixture against group leaders Jammu & Kashmir.

The Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team clash highlighted the unpredictable nature of first-class cricket, where momentum can shift dramatically over four days.

Player Spotlight: Saurabh Nawale

The Player of the Match award went to Saurabh Nawale, and rightfully so. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been a consistent performer for Maharashtra over the years, and this match showcased his best qualities:

• Technical Soundness: Both his innings—83 and 126 not out—demonstrated excellent technique against quality bowling.
• Match Awareness: He knew when to attack and when to defend, playing according to match situations.
• Leadership: As a senior player, his innings gave confidence to the younger batsmen around him.
• Keeping Skills: Five catches behind the stumps added another dimension to his match-winning performance.

The Maharashtra Cricket Team has found a reliable match-winner in Nawale, whose performances could define their future campaigns.

Best Performances From Baroda Cricket Team

Baroda’s Struggles: What Went Wrong?

While the Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard reflects a one-sided contest, Baroda’s problems ran deeper than just one bad match:

Batting Collapses

Baroda’s batting lineup collapsed twice—145 and 177—failing to show the resilience needed in four-day cricket. The top order, including the usually reliable Shashwat Rawat, couldn’t cope with Maharashtra’s disciplined bowling attack.

Bowling Fatigue

Despite Atit Sheth’s heroic effort with 6 wickets in the first innings, the Baroda Cricket Team bowling unit couldn’t maintain pressure in the second innings. When Maharashtra piled on 464/7, the bowlers looked jaded and ideas-free.

Fielding Lapses

Several missed chances and untidy fielding allowed Maharashtra’s batsmen to build partnerships. In first-class cricket, such lapses prove costly, as this match demonstrated.

Tactical Analysis: Captaincy Decisions

The Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team encounter showcased contrasting captaincy approaches:

Maharashtra’s Strategy:

• Patient approach in first innings despite losing early wickets
• Aggressive declaration leaving enough time to bowl out opposition
• Rotating bowlers effectively to maintain freshness
• Field placements that created pressure on Baroda’s batsmen

Baroda’s Challenges:

• Questionable decision to field first on a batting-friendly surface
• Unable to capitalize on Atit Sheth’s six-wicket haul
• Defensive field settings in second innings when attack was needed
• Failed to inspire confidence in batsmen during the chase

The Venue: Golf Club Ground, Nasik

The Golf Club Ground in Nasik has traditionally offered assistance to seam bowlers early on before flattening out. This Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard followed that pattern:

• Day 1-2: Ball moved around, creating chances for bowlers
• Day 3: Surface eased out, allowing Maharashtra’s batsmen to dominate
• Day 4: Variable bounce appeared, making batting difficult again

Understanding these conditions played a role in Maharashtra’s tactical decisions, particularly their aggressive second-innings declaration.

Historical Context: Ranji Trophy Legacy

The Ranji Trophy remains India’s premier domestic first-class competition. Both the Maharashtra Cricket Team and Baroda Cricket Team have rich histories in the tournament:

Maharashtra’s Journey:

• Founded in 1934
• Known for producing talented cricketers who represent India
• Home to stars like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prithvi Shaw

Baroda’s Heritage:

• One of the traditional powerhouses of Indian domestic cricket
• Produced legends including the Pandya brothers (Krunal and Hardik)
• Multiple Ranji Trophy titles in their trophy cabinet

This particular Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team match added another chapter to their ongoing rivalry.

Key Takeaways from the Match

When analyzing the Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard, several lessons emerge:

1. Consistency Wins Matches: Saurabh Nawale’s back-to-back big scores proved more valuable than one spectacular century.
2. Bowling Depth Matters: Maharashtra’s ability to rotate fresh bowlers throughout the match gave them a crucial advantage.
3. Mental Strength: After being bowled out for 145 in the first innings, Baroda never recovered psychologically.
4. Team Balance: The Maharashtra Cricket Team showed perfect balance between batting depth and bowling variety.
5. Home Advantage: Playing in Nasik, Maharashtra understood conditions better and used them to their advantage.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Both Teams

For Maharashtra:

• This victory provides momentum for their remaining fixtures
• Young players gained valuable four-day cricket experience
• Mukesh Choudhary’s form is a major positive heading into future matches

For Baroda:

• Must regroup quickly for the crucial match against Jammu & Kashmir
• Need to address batting fragility against quality pace bowling
• Atit Sheth’s form provides hope despite the heavy defeat

The Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team result will have lasting implications on the final Group A standings.

Expert Analysis: Why Maharashtra Dominated

Cricket experts analyzing this Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard have identified several factors behind Maharashtra’s dominance:

Batting Application: The Maharashtra batsmen showed remarkable application, especially in the second innings. Rather than just scoring quickly, they built partnerships and wore down the Baroda bowling attack. This old-fashioned approach to four-day cricket proved highly effective.

Bowling Discipline: Mukesh Choudhary and Rajneesh Gurbani maintained excellent line and length throughout the match. They rarely bowled loose deliveries, forcing Baroda’s batsmen to take risks that led to their downfall.

Field Placement Intelligence: Maharashtra’s field settings created constant pressure. Catching positions were placed based on each batsman’s weaknesses, resulting in dismissals from catches rather than bowled or LBW decisions.

Statistical Highlights

The Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard is filled with impressive numbers:

• Biggest partnership: 150+ runs for Maharashtra’s 6th wicket
• Most boundaries: Saurabh Nawale hit 21 fours across both innings
• Best bowling spell: Atit Sheth’s 6/71 in first innings
• Quickest scoring: Mahesh Pithiya’s 36 off just 18 balls
• Longest innings: Saurabh Nawale batted for 352 balls combined

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

Cricket fans following the Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team match expressed surprise at the margin of victory. Social media platforms buzzed with praise for Saurabh Nawale’s consistency and Mukesh Choudhary’s breakthrough performance. Many Baroda supporters expressed disappointment but acknowledged Maharashtra’s superior cricket over four days.

Conclusion: A Statement Victory

The Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard reflects one of the most comprehensive victories in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. Maharashtra’s 439-run triumph showcased their strengths across all departments—batting, bowling, and fielding.

Saurabh Nawale emerged as the star performer with his twin knocks of 83 and 126 not out, complemented by excellent wicketkeeping. Mukesh Choudhary’s maiden five-wicket haul and contributions from Ramakrishna Ghosh, Rajneesh Gurbani, and Siddhesh Veer highlighted the team’s collective strength.

For Baroda, this heavy defeat serves as a wake-up call. Despite Atit Sheth’s heroic efforts with both bat and ball, the team’s overall performance fell well short of expectations. They must quickly regroup to salvage their season.

This Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard will be remembered as a masterclass in four-day cricket execution, where patient batting, disciplined bowling, and smart tactics combined to produce a memorable victory at the Golf Club Ground, Nasik.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was the final result of the Maharashtra vs Baroda match?

Maharashtra defeated Baroda by 439 runs in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 match played at Golf Club Ground, Nasik from January 23-26, 2025. The Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard shows Maharashtra scoring 297 and 464/7 declared, while Baroda managed only 145 and 177.

2. Who won the Player of the Match award?

Saurabh Nawale from Maharashtra won the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance. He scored 83 runs in the first innings and remained unbeaten on 126 in the second innings, while also taking 5 catches behind the stumps as wicketkeeper.

3. What were the key performances in this match?

The Maharashtra Cricket Team vs Baroda Cricket Team Match Scorecard highlights several key performances: Saurabh Nawale’s twin knocks (83 & 126*), Mukesh Choudhary’s maiden five-wicket haul (5/76), Ramakrishna Ghosh’s 99, and Atit Sheth’s 6/71 for Baroda in the first innings.

4. Where was the Maharashtra vs Baroda match played?

The match was played at the Golf Club Ground in Nasik (Nashik), Maharashtra. This venue hosted the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A fixture from January 23-26, 2025.

5. How did Mukesh Choudhary perform in this match?

CSK star Mukesh Choudhary delivered a match-winning performance, claiming his maiden first-class five-wicket haul. He took 3 wickets for 57 runs in the first innings and 5 wickets for 76 runs in the second innings, totaling 8 wickets in the match.

6. What does this result mean for both teams’ qualification chances?

For the Maharashtra Cricket Team, this was their second win of the season, providing a morale boost despite slim knockout chances. For the Baroda Cricket Team, this defeat complicated their qualification scenario, as they were in second place before this match and needed to beat Jammu & Kashmir in their final game to secure a knockout berth.

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External References:

• Cricbuzz Official Website

Written by Kanak Saini – Cricket Enthusiast & Sports Analyst