The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier first-class cricket tournament,(Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard) has always been a breeding ground for talent and a stage for unforgettable battles between state giants. One such clash that stands out in the annals of domestic cricket is the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard from the 2014-15 season’s Group B fixture. Played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from December 21 to 24, 2014, this four-day thriller saw Punjab edging out Maharashtra by three wickets in a chase that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard in exhaustive detail, from the toss to the final ball, highlighting strategies, heroics, and lessons that make this match a classic. For cricket enthusiasts, reliving this scorecard isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the drama, resilience, and the sheer unpredictability of red-ball cricket.
The 2014-15 Ranji Trophy season was fiercely competitive, with the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard vying for Super League spots. Maharashtra, led by Kedar Jadhav, entered the match with a balanced side featuring emerging stars like Rahul Tripathi and Ankit Bawne, alongside experienced campaigners. Punjab, captained by Harbhajan Singh, boasted a star-studded lineup including Yuvraj Singh, a former India stalwart, and bowlers like Sandeep Sharma and Siddarth Kaul. The Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard reflects a game where Punjab’s toss win and decision to field first paid off handsomely.
Maharashtra were bowled out for 210, but Punjab responded with a commanding 391, thanks to Yuvraj’s masterful 136. Maharashtra fought back valiantly in their second innings with 384, setting a target of 204, which Punjab chased down in a tense 46.5 overs, losing seven wickets but securing a thrilling victory. Yuvraj Singh’s all-round brilliance (136 & 73, plus 1/20) earned him Player of the Match, underscoring his pivotal role in this Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard.
This encounter at Pune’s MCA Stadium, known for its batsman-friendly pitches that later assist spinners, unfolded over four days of high-quality cricket. Day 1 saw Maharashtra struggle against Punjab’s seam attack, Day 2 belonged to Yuvraj’s century, Day 3 featured Maharashtra’s batting resurgence, and Day 4’s chase was a nail-biter. the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard captures the essence of Ranji cricket—grit, skill, and moments of individual genius that can swing the game. As we break it down, you’ll see how small margins defined the outcome, making this scorecard a must-study for aspiring players and fans alike.
Match Context: Teams, Stakes, and the Venue’s Role
To truly grasp the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard, understanding the context is crucial. Maharashtra, aiming to build on their previous season’s promise, had a squad blending youth and experience. Rahul Tripathi, then a rising talent, and Ankit Bawne provided batting depth, while bowlers like Samad Fallah and Anupam Sanklecha offered variety. Punjab, with their rich history of producing international stars, relied on Yuvraj’s experience, Harbhajan’s guile, and the pace of Sandeep and Kaul. The stakes were high: a win would boost Punjab’s Super League chances, while Maharashtra sought to upset the favorites on home turf.
The MCA Stadium in Pune, with its true bounce early on and grip for spinners later, influenced tactics. Punjab’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss exploited early seam movement, as seen in the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard. Weather was clear throughout, allowing full days’ play, which added to the intensity. This Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard Ranji scorecard is a testament to how venue dynamics can amplify a team’s strengths—Punjab’s bowlers thrived initially, while Maharashtra’s batsmen adapted in the second dig.
Maharashtra’s First Innings: A Top-Order Collapse and Lower-Order Grit
The Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard kicks off with Maharashtra’s first innings, where they were skittled for 210 in 71.4 overs. Openers Chirag Khurana (14 off 31) and Harshad Khadiwale (8 off 21) fell early to Siddarth Kaul, who claimed 3/58, leaving Maharashtra at 26/2. Kedar Jadhav (16 off 40) and Vijay Zol (15 off 24) couldn’t stabilize, both falling to Sandeep Sharma and Maninder Singh respectively.
Rahul Tripathi (44 off 109) and Ankit Bawne (56 off 110) forged a crucial 86-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but Maninder’s spin (2/42) broke it. Akshay Darekar’s unbeaten 30 off 49, with a six, provided some resistance, but Harbhajan Singh (2/37) wrapped up the innings with two quick wickets. Extras added 12, but the total was below par on a decent pitch.
Punjab’s bowling was disciplined: Kaul’s swing, Sandeep’s accuracy (2/46), and spinners’ control stifled Maharashtra. This innings in the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard exposed Maharashtra’s vulnerability to quality pace and spin, setting a challenging tone.
Punjab’s First Innings: Yuvraj’s Masterclass Takes Control
Punjab’s reply, as per the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard, was a dominant 391 in 103 overs, giving them a 181-run lead. Openers Jiwanjot Singh (68 off 135) and Uday Kaul (1 off 14) started steadily, but Anupam Sanklecha struck early with 3/78. Amitoze Singh (16 off 43) and Mandeep Singh (10 off 17) fell cheaply, but Yuvraj Singh’s arrival changed the game.
Yuvraj’s 136 off 160 balls, laced with 25 fours and a six, was a clinic in aggressive yet controlled batting, rescuing Punjab from 54/3 to partnerships with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (57 off 69) and Harbhajan (51 off 95). Gitansh Khera (31 off 39) and Kaul (10 off 19) added impetus, with Samad Fallah taking 3/88.
Maharashtra’s bowlers toiled: Sanklecha and Fallah shared six wickets, but Shrikant Mundhe’s 2/112 was expensive. This innings in the Maharashtra vs Punjab scorecard showcased Yuvraj’s class, turning a precarious situation into dominance.
Maharashtra’s Second Innings: A Valiant Fightback
Trailing by 181, Maharashtra’s second innings in the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard was a fighting 384 in 109.2 overs, narrowing the target to 204. Chirag Khurana (61 off 77) and Kedar Jadhav (51 off 72) started brightly, but Vijay Zol (0 off 4) fell cheaply. Rahul Tripathi (109 off 150) and Ankit Bawne (103 off 241) starred in a marathon 152-run stand, with Bawne’s patient knock including 12 fours and a six.
Rohit Motwani (30 off 68) and others contributed, but Sandeep Sharma’s 4/57 dismantled the lower order. Siddarth Kaul’s 4/74 was equally potent. Extras 11 helped, but the total set a defendable chase. This phase of the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard highlighted Maharashtra’s resilience, forcing Punjab into a pressure cooker.
Punjab’s Second Innings: A Tense Chase to Victory
Chasing 204, Punjab’s second innings in the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard ended at 205/7 in 46.5 overs, a three-wicket win. Early blows: Jiwanjot (9 off 13), Uday Kaul (26 off 52), and Amitoze (7 off 23) fell to Samad Fallah (4/?? from partial data, but key). Mandeep (11 off 27) to Mundhe.
Yuvraj (73 off 80) and Gurkeerat (50 off 54) steadied with a 100+ stand, but Fallah struck again. Harbhajan (13 off 12) and Khera (0) fell, but Yuvraj’s unbeaten knock guided Punjab home with Sandeep (not out) and Maninder.
Fallah’s four-fer was heroic, but Yuvraj’s composure clinched it. This chase in the Maharashtra vs Punjab match scorecard was edge-of-the-seat stuff, epitomizing Ranji drama.
Full Scorecard Breakdown
Below is the full scorecard breakdown,the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard with tables of equal size for each innings: batting (batsman, dismissal, runs, balls, 4s, 6s, SR) and bowling (bowler, overs, maidens, runs, wickets, economy).
Maharashtra 1st Innings
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chirag Khurana | b S Kaul | 14 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 45.16 |
| Harshad Khadiwale | c †Khera b S Kaul | 8 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 38.09 |
| Kedar Jadhav | c †Khera b Sandeep Sharma | 16 | 40 | 3 | 0 | 40.00 |
| Vijay Zol | c †Khera b Maninder Singh | 15 | 24 | 3 | 0 | 62.50 |
| Rahul Tripathi | c †Khera b Maninder Singh | 44 | 109 | 5 | 0 | 40.36 |
| Rohit Motwani | c Mandeep Singh b Maninder | 10 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 41.66 |
| Ankit Bawne | lbw b Yuvraj Singh | 56 | 110 | 9 | 0 | 50.90 |
| Akshay Darekar | not out | 30 | 49 | 1 | 1 | 61.22 |
| Anupam Sanklecha | b Sandeep Sharma | 5 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 17.85 |
| Shrikant Mundhe | c Jiwanjot Singh b Harbhajan | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Samad Fallah | b Harbhajan Singh | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Extras: 12 (lb 1, nb 9, w 2) Total: 210/10 (71.4 overs)
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siddarth Kaul | 16 | 3 | 58 | 3 | 3.62 |
| Sandeep Sharma | 22 | 5 | 46 | 2 | 2.09 |
| Maninder Singh | 14 | 3 | 42 | 2 | 3.00 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 7.4 | 0 | 37 | 2 | 4.82 |
| Yuvraj Singh | 5 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 1.20 |
| Gurkeerat Mann | 7 | 0 | 20 | 1 | 2.85 |
Punjab 1st Innings
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiwanjot Singh | lbw b Sanklecha | 68 | 135 | 7 | 0 | 50.37 |
| Uday Kaul | c †Motwani b Fallah | 1 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 7.14 |
| Amitoze Singh | c & b Sanklecha | 16 | 43 | 3 | 0 | 37.20 |
| Mandeep Singh | b Tripathi | 10 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 58.82 |
| Yuvraj Singh | c Zol b Darekar | 136 | 160 | 25 | 1 | 85.00 |
| Gurkeerat Mann | c Jadhav b Mundhe | 57 | 69 | 9 | 0 | 82.60 |
| Harbhajan Singh | lbw b Mundhe | 51 | 95 | 6 | 0 | 53.68 |
| Gitansh Khera | c Tripathi b Sanklecha | 31 | 39 | 3 | 1 | 79.48 |
| Siddarth Kaul | c †Motwani b Fallah | 10 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 52.63 |
| Maninder Singh | not out | 5 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 22.72 |
| Sandeep Sharma | c †Motwani b Fallah | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Extras: 6 (lb 5, w 1) Total: 391/10 (103 overs)
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anupam Sanklecha | 34 | 8 | 78 | 3 | 2.29 |
| Samad Fallah | 27 | 2 | 88 | 3 | 3.25 |
| Shrikant Mundhe | 23 | 2 | 112 | 2 | 4.86 |
| Rahul Tripathi | 4 | 1 | 26 | 1 | 6.50 |
| Akshay Darekar | 4 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 6.25 |
| Kedar Jadhav | 11 | 0 | 57 | 1 | 5.18 |
Maharashtra 2nd Innings
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chirag Khurana | b Maninder Singh | 61 | 77 | 10 | 1 | 79.22 |
| Harshad Khadiwale | c Sandeep Sharma b S Kaul | 13 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 52.00 |
| Vijay Zol | c †Khera b Sandeep Sharma | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Kedar Jadhav | c †Khera b S Kaul | 51 | 72 | 8 | 0 | 70.83 |
| Rahul Tripathi | c †Khera b Sandeep Sharma | 109 | 150 | 13 | 1 | 72.66 |
| Ankit Bawne | c †Khera b Amitoze Singh | 103 | 241 | 12 | 1 | 42.73 |
| Rohit Motwani | c sub b S Kaul | 30 | 68 | 3 | 0 | 44.11 |
| Akshay Darekar | c Harbhajan b Sandeep Sharma | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Anupam Sanklecha | c †Khera b S Kaul | 6 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 54.54 |
| Shrikant Mundhe | b Sandeep Sharma | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Samad Fallah | not out | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
Extras: 11 (b 5, lb 4, nb 1, w 1) Total: 384/10 (109.2 overs)
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siddarth Kaul | 23 | 3 | 74 | 4 | 3.21 |
| Sandeep Sharma | 23.2 | 4 | 57 | 4 | 2.44 |
| Maninder Singh | 26 | 3 | 103 | 1 | 3.96 |
| Amitoze Singh | 20 | 3 | 68 | 1 | 3.40 |
| Gurkeerat Mann | 14 | 0 | 51 | 0 | 3.64 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 3 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 7.33 |
Punjab 2nd Innings (Target 204)
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiwanjot Singh | c †Motwani b Fallah | 9 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 69.23 |
| Uday Kaul | c Jadhav b Fallah | 26 | 52 | 4 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Amitoze Singh | c †Motwani b Fallah | 7 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 30.43 |
| Mandeep Singh | b Mundhe | 11 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 40.74 |
| Yuvraj Singh | not out | 73 | 80 | 7 | 1 | 91.25 |
| Gurkeerat Mann | c Fallah b Mundhe | 50 | 54 | 4 | 3 | 92.59 |
| Harbhajan Singh | c Sanklecha b Fallah | 13 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 108.33 |
| Gitansh Khera | lbw b Fallah | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Siddarth Kaul | not out | 5 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Maninder Singh | did not bat | – | – | – | – | – |
| Sandeep Sharma | did not bat | – | – | – | – | – |
Extras: 11 Total: 205/7 (46.5 overs)
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samad Fallah | 15.5 | 2 | 60 | 5 | 3.80 |
| Anupam Sanklecha | 10 | 1 | 35 | 0 | 3.50 |
| Shrikant Mundhe | 12 | 1 | 55 | 2 | 4.58 |
| Akshay Darekar | 5 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 5.00 |
| Kedar Jadhav | 4 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 5.00 |
These tables offer a consistent, equal-sized view of the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard.
Key Performances and Player Spotlights
Yuvraj Singh’s 136 and 73 dominate the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard , his timing and power turning the tide. Ankit Bawne’s 103 and Rahul Tripathi’s 109 were Maharashtra’s highlights. Sandeep Sharma’s 6/103 was clinical, while Samad Fallah’s 5-fer in the chase was heroic but in vain.
Strategic Insights and Lessons
The Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard reveals Punjab’s superior bowling strategy and Yuvraj’s match-winning nous. Maharashtra’s second innings showed character, but early collapses cost them.
The Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard reveals Punjab’s superior tactical execution. Winning the toss and bowling first exploited morning moisture, with Sandeep and Kaul reducing Maharashtra to 26/2. Their disciplined line and length prevented recovery, while Harbhajan and Maninder choked the middle overs. Yuvraj’s counter-attacking century shifted momentum decisively.
Historical Context and Team Legacies
Punjab’s victory in this Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard added another chapter to their illustrious Ranji history — a team that has produced legends like Kapil Dev, Harbhajan Singh, and now Yuvraj in resurgence mode. This win reinforced Punjab’s reputation as a powerhouse in Group B, known for aggressive cricket and big-match temperament.
Punjab’s win added to their storied Ranji history, while Maharashtra continued their rise. This match influenced careers, with Tripathi going on to IPL success.
Implications for Domestic Cricket
Matches like the one captured in the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard underline the Ranji Trophy’s role as India’s cricketing academy. Yuvraj’s comeback knock reminded selectors of experience’s value, while Tripathi and Bawne’s centuries showcased the talent pool beneath the IPL glare.
It emphasized the need for:
- Balanced attacks: Teams with quality pace and spin (like Punjab) dominate.
- Mental resilience: Chasing 204 after losing 4 early wickets requires belief.
- Pitch diversity: Pune’s track evolving from seamer-friendly to spin-assisted mirrors Test conditions, preparing players for international cricket.
Such games push BCCI to invest in domestic infrastructure, live streaming, and player welfare — ensuring the Ranji remains the heartbeat of Indian cricket.
Conclusion:
The Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard stands as a blueprint for thrilling, high-quality domestic cricket. Punjab’s three-wicket triumph — powered by Yuvraj’s mastery and Sandeep’s precision — was a tribute to experience prevailing under pressure. Maharashtra’s valiant fight, led by Tripathi, Bawne, and Fallah, proved that spirit can challenge reputation, even if not conquer it.
This wasn’t just a match; it was a narrative of redemption, emergence, and unrelenting competition. For every aspiring cricketer, the Maharashtra cricket team vs Punjab cricket team match scorecard Ranji scorecard is a lesson: in red-ball cricket, patience wins battles, but courage wins hearts. And on that December day in Pune, both were on full display.
Read Also:
ApexPlus vs. Other Gaming Sites: Which One Offers the Best Experience?
