Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign suffered a shocking setback as they lost despite a brilliant record-breaking half-century from star batsman Sarfaraz Khan. In a high-scoring thriller, Sarfaraz smashed his way to a memorable 50, etching his name in the tournament’s history books. Yet, it wasn’t enough to prevent a narrow defeat against a determined Baroda side led by Hardik Pandya’s match-winning heroics.
The match, played at a packed venue, saw Mumbai electing to bat first. Sarfaraz, known for his aggressive strokeplay, took charge from the outset. He reached his fifty in just 28 balls, the fastest in Vijay Hazare history, blending power with precision. Boundaries flowed as he dominated the bowlers, but Mumbai’s middle order collapsed under pressure, restricting them to a competitive total.
Baroda’s chase was anchored by Hardik Pandya, who delivered when it mattered most. The all-rounder steadied the innings after early jitters and accelerated ruthlessly in the death overs. His unbeaten knock guided Baroda home, showcasing why he’s a key player in India’s white-ball setup. Mumbai’s bowlers toiled hard but couldn’t break through the partnership that sealed the win.
This loss raises questions for Mumbai, perennial contenders in domestic cricket. Sarfaraz’s effort highlights his class, but the team needs collective strength to bounce back. Baroda, meanwhile, gains momentum with Hardik’s leadership. Fans are already buzzing about the next clashes in this prestigious one-day tournament.