Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami made a remarkable return to competitive cricket after a year-long injury layoff, playing a pivotal role in Bengal’s thrilling 11-run victory over Madhya Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy clash at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. Shami’s seven-wicket haul across both innings and a vital late-order batting cameo underlined his immense value to the team.
Shami’s comeback began with a stellar performance in the first innings, where he claimed 4/54, helping Bengal secure a critical 61-run lead. However, his contributions extended beyond the ball. In Bengal’s second innings, Shami delivered a crucial batting cameo, smashing 37 runs off just 36 balls. His knock, featuring two fours and two sixes, included powerful hits off Kartikeya Singh and Kulwant Khejroliya.
Partnering with his brother Mohammed Kaif for a last-wicket stand of 39 runs, Shami ensured Bengal set a competitive target of 287. On the final day, the match teetered on a knife’s edge as Madhya Pradesh’s Saransh Jain and Aryan Pandey built a threatening eighth-wicket partnership.
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Mohammed Shami, though expensive at times, maintained composure during high-pressure moments. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed, with figures of 4/48, played a crucial supporting role, dismissing key batters to tilt the game in Bengal’s favour.
Shami back after 360 days. pic.twitter.com/TyFRts79sG
— Cricpedia. (@_Cricpedia) November 13, 2024
When Madhya Pradesh needed just 14 runs with one wicket remaining, Shami returned to deliver the knockout punch, dismissing Kumar Kartikeya and sealing a memorable victory.
Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla lauded Shami’s resilience, particularly his ability to bowl 11 overs across two sessions on the final day, showcasing his fitness and skill. Shami’s performance is a timely boost as he eyes a potential recall to India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad following the second Test in Adelaide.
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Shahbaz Ahmed also shone with an all-round display, scoring a vital 92 in the first innings and taking key wickets in the second, earning him the Player of the Match award. Together, Shami and Shahbaz proved instrumental in Bengal’s hard-fought victory.
