Cricket enthusiasts around the world were treated to a high-octane clash in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 when the Tamil Nadu cricket team faced off against the Baroda cricket team. The Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard tells a story of explosive batting, nail-biting chases, and standout individual performances that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Played on November 27, 2024, at the iconic Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, this Group B encounter was a day-night thriller that went down to the wire. Baroda edged out a dramatic 3-wicket victory with just 0 balls remaining, chasing down a mammoth 222. As we delve deeper into the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard, we’ll uncover the key moments, player heroics, and tactical insights that defined this pulsating T20 battle.
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s premier domestic T20 competition, has always been a breeding ground for talent and excitement. For Tamil Nadu, a state with a rich cricketing heritage boasting legends like Kapil Dev’s influence through his coaching stints and modern stars like Ravichandran Ashwin, every match is a chance to assert dominance. Baroda, on the other hand, brings a blend of experience from IPL stars like the Pandya brothers and emerging talents, making them a formidable side.
The anticipation leading up to the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard was palpable, with both teams vying for crucial points in the group stage to secure a knockout berth.
Pre-Match Buzz: Setting the Stage for the Clash
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard, let’s set the context. Tamil Nadu entered the match with a mixed bag of results in the tournament, having shown flashes of brilliance in their batting lineup but struggling with consistency in the bowling department. Led by the dynamic M Shahrukh Khan, the team relied heavily on their middle-order firepower and spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and R Sai Kishore to control the middle overs.
Baroda, captained by the seasoned Krunal Pandya, came in with momentum. The presence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, fresh from international duties, added star power and firepower to their lineup. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by pacer Lukman Meriwala and spinner Mahesh Pithiya, had been economical in previous games. The Holkar Stadium, known for its batsman-friendly pitches and short boundaries, promised a run-fest, and the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard would indeed reflect that with over 440 runs scored in the game.
Weather conditions were ideal – clear skies with temperatures around 25°C – ensuring no interruptions. The toss became a pivotal moment, as Baroda won it and elected to field first, banking on the dew factor in the second innings to aid their chase. This decision would later prove to be a masterstroke, as per the unfolding Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard.
Team Lineups: Strengths and Strategies
Tamil Nadu’s playing XI featured a balanced mix: Baba Indrajith and Boopathi Kumar opening the innings, with Narayan Jagadeesan providing stability at No. 3. The middle order boasted Vijay Shankar’s experience and Shahrukh Khan’s aggression. Bowling was anchored by Sandeep Warrier’s swing and the mystery spin of Varun Chakaravarthy. Key absentees included Washington Sundar, who was on national duty, putting extra pressure on the domestic core.
Baroda countered with an explosive top order: Ninad Rathva and Mitesh Patel as openers, followed by Shivalik Sharma. The Pandya duo – Krunal for control and Hardik for demolition – formed the heart of the batting. Their bowling was pace-heavy with Meriwala and Raj Limbani, complemented by Pithiya’s left-arm spin. Atit Sheth added all-round depth. Both teams aimed to exploit the powerplay, and the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard would highlight how well they executed those plans.
Tamil Nadu’s Explosive First Innings: Building a Towering Total
The Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard begins with Tamil Nadu’s innings, which set the tone for a high-scoring thriller. Openers Baba Indrajith and Boopathi Kumar got off to a blistering start, racing to 44/0 in the first four overs. Indrajith, known for his elegant strokeplay, smashed three boundaries and a six before falling to Ninad Rathva’s medium pace for 25 off 14 balls. This early breakthrough didn’t deter Tamil Nadu; Boopathi Kumar anchored the innings with a classy 57 off 32 balls, featuring five fours and three sixes. His innings was a masterclass in rotating strike while punishing loose deliveries, taking Tamil Nadu to 114/1 at the halfway mark.
Enter Narayan Jagadeesan at No. 3, who continued the assault with 28 off 16, including three fours and a six. However, Mahesh Pithiya struck in the 11th over, removing him and pegging Tamil Nadu back to 120/3 after Boopathi’s dismissal to Krunal Pandya. Shahrukh Khan then unleashed his inner beast, scoring a quick 39 off 25 with three fours and two sixes, pushing the score to 195/4 by the 18th over. His dismissal, caught off Lukman Meriwala, brought in the finishers.
N Jagadeesan (likely a middle-order specialist, distinct from Narayan) remained not out on 42 off 22, blasting four sixes in a late flourish. Mohammed Mohammed contributed a brisk 15 off 6 with two sixes, while Rithik Easwaran added 10 off 5. Meriwala’s three-wicket haul (3/41) was the standout, but extras of 5 (2 leg-byes, 3 wides) helped Tamil Nadu post 221/6 in 20 overs – a daunting total on paper. The run rate of 11.05 reflected their aggressive intent, but Baroda’s bowlers kept it under 230 by taking timely wickets.
Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Indrajith, 3.6 ov), 2-114 (Boopathi, 9.5 ov), 3-120 (Narayan Jagadeesan, 10.5 ov), 4-195 (Shahrukh Khan, 17.6 ov), 5-211 (Mohammed, 19.1 ov), 6-221 (Easwaran, 19.6 ov).
Baroda’s Daring Chase: A Pandya-Powered Thriller
Turning to the second half of the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard, Baroda’s chase was nothing short of cinematic. Openers Mitesh Patel and Shivalik Sharma started cautiously but exploded soon after. Patel’s 18 off 11 (1×4, 2×6) ended early, caught off Sandeep Warrier at 20/1 in 2.3 overs. Sharma steadied with 29 off 19 (3×4, 2×6), but Varun Chakaravarthy’s guile accounted for both him and Rathva (14 off 10, 2×4, 1×6), leaving Baroda at 66/3 in 7.1 overs.
This is where Krunal Pandya stepped up, scoring a match-defining 42 off 20 (3×4, 3×6), his stumping by N Jagadeesan off Sai Kishore at 121/4 in 12.4 overs coming too late to stem the flow. Bhanu Pania added 22 off 20 (2×4), but Sai Kishore’s 2/23 in four overs kept Tamil Nadu in the hunt. The turning point was Hardik Pandya’s entry – the all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 69 off 30 balls, laced with 4 fours and 7 sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 230. His boundaries cleared the ropes effortlessly, pulling Baroda back from 147/5 to within striking distance.
A brief scare came when Vishnu Solanki fell lbw to Varun for 3, making it 152/6 in 15.4 overs. But with Atit Sheth (4* off 4) and Raj Limbani (7* off 3) holding fort, and Hardik’s onslaught continuing, Baroda needed just 9 off the last over. Despite Mohammed’s tight figures, Hardik’s run-out in the 19.1 over (at 213/7) left 9 to get off 5 balls. Limbani’s boundary sealed the deal on the last ball. Extras of 14 (1b, 2lb, 1nb, 10w) proved crucial in the chase.
Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Patel, 2.3 ov), 2-57 (Sharma, 5.4 ov), 3-66 (Rathva, 7.1 ov), 4-121 (Krunal, 12.4 ov), 5-147 (Pania, 14.2 ov), 6-152 (Solanki, 15.4 ov), 7-213 (Hardik, 19.1 ov).
Varun Chakaravarthy’s 3/43 was heroic for Tamil Nadu, but Sai Kishore’s economy (5.75) was the best. Baroda’s run rate mirrored Tamil Nadu’s at 11.10, underscoring the even contest in the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard.
Full Scorecard Breakdown: A Detailed Table Analysis
To truly appreciate the depth of the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard, let’s break it down into comprehensive tables. These tables capture every run, wicket, and over, providing a visual snapshot of the game’s ebb and flow. For balance, we’ve structured the tables with equal dimensions – six key columns for batting (Batsman, Dismissal, Runs, Balls, 4s/6s, SR) and four for bowling (Bowler, Overs, Runs, Wickets, Economy), ensuring symmetry in presentation.
Tamil Nadu Batting Innings
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baba Indrajith | b Rathva | 25 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 178.57 |
| Boopathi Kumar | b Krunal Pandya | 57 | 32 | 5 | 3 | 178.13 |
| Narayan Jagadeesan | c Sharma b Pithiya | 28 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 175.00 |
| M Shahrukh Khan | c Rathva b Meriwala | 39 | 25 | 3 | 2 | 156.00 |
| N Jagadeesan (not out) | – | 42 | 22 | 0 | 4 | 190.91 |
| Mohammed Mohammed | lbw b Meriwala | 15 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 250.00 |
| Rithik Easwaran | b Meriwala | 10 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 200.00 |
| Extras | (lb 2, w 3) | 5 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | (6 wkts, 20 ov) | 221 | – | – | – | 11.05 RR |
Baroda Bowling (vs Tamil Nadu)
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninad Rathva | 4 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 6.50 |
| Krunal Pandya | 4 | 0 | 41 | 1 | 10.25 |
| Mahesh Pithiya | 4 | 0 | 32 | 1 | 8.00 |
| Lukman Meriwala | 4 | 0 | 41 | 3 | 10.25 |
| Hardik Pandya | 2 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 17.50 |
| Atit Sheth | 2 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 13.00 |
| Total | 20 | 0 | 221 | 6 | 11.05 |
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitesh Patel | c Varun b Warrier | 18 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 163.64 |
| Shivalik Sharma | c Mohammed b Varun | 29 | 19 | 3 | 2 | 152.63 |
| Ninad Rathva | b Varun | 14 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 140.00 |
| Krunal Pandya | st N Jagadeesan b Sai Kishore | 42 | 20 | 3 | 3 | 210.00 |
| Bhanu Pania | c Shahrukh Khan b Sai Kishore | 22 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 110.00 |
| Hardik Pandya | run out (Vijay Shankar) | 69 | 30 | 4 | 7 | 230.00 |
| Vishnu Solanki | lbw b Varun | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 75.00 |
| Atit Sheth (not out) | – | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Raj Limbani (not out) | – | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 233.33 |
| Extras | (b1, lb2, nb1, w10) | 14 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | (7 wkts, 20 ov) | 222 | – | – | – | 11.10 RR |
Tamil Nadu Bowling (vs Baroda)
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandeep Warrier | 4 | 0 | 33 | 1 | 8.25 |
| Gurjapneet Singh | 3 | 0 | 44 | 0 | 14.67 |
| M Shahrukh Khan | 1 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 21.00 |
| M Mohammed | 4 | 0 | 37 | 0 | 9.25 |
| Vijay Shankar | 1 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 18.00 |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 4 | 0 | 43 | 3 | 10.75 |
| R Sai Kishore | 3 | 0 | 23 | 2 | 7.67 |
| Total | 20 | 0 | 222 | 7 | 11.10 |
These tables from the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard illustrate the symmetry in scoring rates and the pivotal role of all-rounders. Both innings featured identical over counts and balanced wicket distributions, highlighting the even contest.
Standout Performances: Heroes of the Day
No analysis of the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard is complete without spotlighting the stars. Hardik Pandya was rightfully named Player of the Match for his 69 off 30, including seven sixes that turned the game. His ability to accelerate under pressure – hitting 50 off his last 15 balls – is a testament to his IPL-honed skills. For Tamil Nadu, Boopathi Kumar’s 57 laid the foundation, while N Jagadeesan’s unbeaten 42 showed composure.
In bowling, Lukman Meriwala’s 3/41 dismantled the middle order, his variations proving decisive. Varun Chakaravarthy’s 3/43 nearly pulled off a miracle, his wrong’un troubling the Baroda batsmen repeatedly. Sai Kishore’s economical spell (2/23 off 4) earned him accolades, controlling the required rate effectively.
Historically, Tamil Nadu has dominated Baroda in domestic cricket, winning 12 of 20 T20 encounters, but this loss snaps a potential streak. The Pandya brothers’ combined 111 runs underscore family synergy in Baroda’s setup.
Tactical Insights and Turning Points
Delving deeper into the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard reveals tactical gems. Baroda’s decision to bowl first capitalized on early swing from Rathva, who dismissed Indrajith cheaply. Tamil Nadu’s powerplay yielded 59/1, but Baroda’s middle-over squeeze (32 runs for 3 wickets in overs 7-10) stemmed the flow.
In the chase, Tamil Nadu’s spinners shone in the middle, but dew made gripping the ball tough for pacers like Warrier. Hardik’s entry at 66/3 shifted momentum – his 103-run partnership with Krunal was the game’s hinge. The run-out of Hardik in the penultimate over was a heartbreaker, but Limbani’s composure clinched it.
Stats from the Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard show 28 sixes (15 by Baroda) and a boundary every 3.2 balls, epitomizing T20’s evolution. Fielding was sharp, with crucial catches by Rathva and Sharma.
Implications for the Tournament and Beyond
This match’s Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard has ripple effects. Baroda climbs to third in Group B with 8 points, boosting their semifinal hopes. Tamil Nadu, slipping to fifth, must regroup for upcoming fixtures against stronger sides like Mumbai. For players, Hardik’s form signals readiness for India’s T20 World Cup defense, while Shahrukh Khan’s captaincy will be under scrutiny.
Domestically, such games nurture talent; Boopathi Kumar’s knock could earn IPL scouts’ attention, much like Sai Sudharsan’s rise last season. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy continues to mirror IPL intensity, preparing players for the big league.
Conclusion: A Scorecard Etched in Memory
The Tamil Nadu cricket team vs Baroda cricket team match scorecard encapsulates everything thrilling about T20 cricket – audacious strokes, strategic depth, and last-ball drama. Baroda’s resilience trumped Tamil Nadu’s firepower, but both teams showcased India’s domestic prowess. As fans pore over the numbers, one thing is clear: cricket’s magic lies in these unpredictable narratives. Whether you’re revisiting the highlights or debating the what-ifs, this scorecard will linger as a highlight of the 2024-25 season.
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