Baroda vs Punjab – Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 Match Preview (2nd December, 2025)

Match Details

• Teams: Baroda vs Punjab
• Tournament: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025
• Group: Elite Group C
• Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
• Match Time: 05:30 GMT / 11:00 AM IST
• Date: 2nd December 2025

Match Preview

Baroda and Punjab are set to face off in an intriguing clash of two sides with contrasting fortunes in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. Punjab, currently sitting at the top of the Elite Group C table with two wins from three matches, will be eager to extend their lead. Their recent 112-run victory over Bengal, powered by Abhishek Sharma's 148, showcased their dominance and depth in both batting and bowling.

Baroda, on the other hand, have started their campaign with a five-wicket win against Himachal Pradesh, thanks to a composed knock from Shashwat Rawat. They will look to build on that performance and put up a strong challenge against the in-form Punjab.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad has a history of favoring chasing teams, with 5 out of 6 previous matches seeing the side batting second emerge victorious. This could influence the toss decision and the strategies employed by both teams.

Key Players to Watch

Punjab

• Abhishek Sharma (Batsman): The Punjab captain is in scintillating form, having scored an unbeaten 148 in the last game. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate makes him a key asset.
• Harpreet Brar (Bowler): A consistent performer, Brar took 4 wickets in the recent match against Bengal and is expected to play a pivotal role with the ball.

Baroda

• Shashwat Rawat (Batsman): Scored a crucial 47 against Himachal Pradesh. His aggressive batting style can tilt the match in Baroda’s favor.
• Mahesh Pithiya (Bowler): A reliable medium-pace option, Pithiya picked up 2 wickets in his last appearance and could be crucial on a slowish pitch.

Probable Playing XI

Punjab

1. Abhishek Sharma (c)
2. Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
3. Anmolpreet Singh
4. Salil Arora
5. Nehal Wadhera
6. Gurnoor Brar
7. Sanvir Singh
8. Ramandeep Singh
9. Harpreet Brar
10. Mayank Markande
11. Ashwani Kumar

Baroda

1. Jyotsnil Singh
2. Shivalik Sharma
3. Shashwat Rawat
4. Sukirt Pandey
5. Vishnu Solanki (wk)
6. Mitesh Patel (wk)
7. Atit Sheth (c)
8. Mahesh Pithiya
9. Rasikh Salam
10. Bhargav Bhatt
11. Raj Limbani

Toss Prediction

Punjab are expected to win the toss and elect to bowl first, based on the pitch's tendency to assist bowlers and the recent trend of chasing teams winning at this venue.

Weather & Pitch Report

• Weather: Clear skies with temperatures around 26°C
• Pitch: Balanced, offering support to both batsmen and fast bowlers
• Average First Innings Score: 160 runs

Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 2
• Baroda Wins: 1
• Punjab Wins: 1
• No Result: 0

Form Guide

• Punjab: 2 wins in 3 matches
• Baroda: 1 win in 1 match

Prediction

This is a fascinating match-up, with Punjab coming into the contest as the stronger side on paper. However, Baroda’s recent win and the nature of the venue could give them a fighting chance. Punjab's top-order strength and experienced bowling attack make them favorites, but the margin between the two sides is not large, and the result could hinge on a few crucial moments.

Prediction: Punjab by 30-40 runs

Fantasy Cricket Insights (Dream11)

Captain & Vice-Captain Choices

• Captain: Abhishek Sharma (Punjab) – 148 runs in the last match
• Vice-Captain: Prabhsimran Singh (Punjab) – 70 runs in his last game

Top Picks

• Abhishek Sharma (Punjab) – High impact with the bat
• Prabhsimran Singh (Punjab) – Consistent run-scorer

Budget Picks

• Harpreet Brar (Punjab) – 4 wickets in the last match
• Nehal Wadhera (Punjab) – Useful all-rounder

Players to Avoid

• Mitesh Patel (Baroda) – Struggled in recent games
• Bhargav Pania (Baroda) – Underperforming recently

Conclusion

The Baroda vs Punjab match promises to be a competitive and nail-biting encounter. With both teams having key players in form and a balanced pitch, the match could go either way. Punjab will look to continue their winning momentum, while Baroda will aim to upset the odds and register a crucial victory in the tournament.

Stay tuned for the live action on 2nd December at 05:30 GMT!
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