Jammu and Kashmir accused Baroda of pitch tampering, registering an official complaint with the match referee before day three of the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy clash.
What was the context of the game?
This match against Jammu and Kashmir is of immense importance for Baroda, with the side needing an outright win to advance to the quarter-final. Ahead of the game, also the last league round in the competition, they were second in Elite Group A with 27 points, behind Jammu and Kashmir (29) with Mumbai (22) in third position.
However, Mumbai’s innings win against Meghalaya, which also gave them a bonus point, pushed Mumbai up to the top spot, and Baroda down to third. The game against Jammu and Kashmir, thus, is a must-win for Baroda.
A victory for Jammu and Kashmir is crucial too as the race for the quarters heats up, but a draw would be enough for them to qualify, particularly after having taken the first-innings lead in this game.
What was the controversy?
Jammu and Kashmir, who registered a historic win against Mumbai in their previous encounter, had the advantage after the end of day two against Baroda, who are the hosts. The visitors, who had been dismissed for 246 in the first innings, bowled Baroda out for 166. Jammu and Kashmir extended their lead to 205 runs at stumps on day two, scoring 125-1 in the second innings.
