J&K vs Baroda: High-stakes quarter-final clash set for today

Srinagar, 29 Jan: As the Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy team stands on the brink of a significant milestone, the team is set to face Baroda in the final round of the group stage on Wednesday at Reliance Cricket Ground in Vadodara.

With 29 points in Group A, J&K is leading the race for a quarterfinal spot, needing just a single point from their upcoming clash to secure their place in the knockouts. This win can mark a momentous and memorable occasion for J&K cricket.

Jammu and Kashmir has four wins in six matches, while two matches were drawn. Baroda also has four wins, but they have faced one defeat with one match resulting in a draw.

J&K’s path to the knockouts is straightforward. As per cricket experts, avoid a defeat against Baroda. A draw, with or without a first-inning lead, guarantees their progression.

On the other hand, the situation is not so easy for Baroda. They will need a win anyway, as just a draw and a first-inning lead will not be enough for them. Also, the Mumbai team is also set to take on Meghalaya, which could pose more challenges for Baroda.

Past Competitions

There have been many tough matches between Jammu and Kashmir and Baroda in first-class cricket. These two teams last met in January 2024, where the match played in Vadodara ended in a draw. In the first innings Baroda scored 383, and in response, J&K scored 457 in 1st innings & 185/6 in 2nd innings

In the match, Shubham Pindir and Vivarnt Sharma scored centuries, scoring 138 and 137 runs, respectively, with Sohail Lotra chipping in with 55 runs.

Notably, in the ongoing Ranji Trophy tournament, J&K’s impressive campaign has been powered by standout performances across departments.

Leading the charge is pacer Auqib Nabi, whose 38 wickets make him the highest wicket taker in the tournament for J&K. His incisive spells have often provided crucial breakthroughs, paving ways for the team’s success.

Another fiery and experienced pacer is Umar Nazir, who has been a reliable partner, showcasing consistent accuracy and swing to trouble opposition batters, including stalwarts like Rohit Sharma.

The all-round brilliance of Abid Mushtaq has added depth to the side, while MoM of against Mumbai, Y.S. Charak’s spirited, fiery pace performances have been instrumental in key moments.