NEW DELHI: Mohammed Shami delivered a sensational all-round efficiency to propel Bengal into the quarterfinals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, clinching a slender three-run win towards Chandigarh in Bengaluru on Monday.
Shami’s late blitz with the bat and a scientific bowling show proved pivotal in Bengal’s thrilling victory. Batting at No. 10, Shami smashed an unbeaten 32 off simply 17 balls, together with three fours and two sixes.
Coming in at a precarious 114/eight within the 16th over, his onslaught lifted Bengal to a aggressive 159/9. His strike charge of 188.24 turned the sport on its head, with the veteran pacer ending because the second-highest scorer for Bengal after Karan Lal’s 33.
Writtick Chatterjee (28 off 12) and Pradipta Pramanik (30 off 24) additionally made very important contributions within the first innings, serving to Bengal get well from a poor begin after being despatched in to bat by Chandigarh.
Shami’s heroics prolonged to the ball as effectively. He struck within the very first over of Chandigarh’s chase, dismissing opener Arslan Khan for a golden duck. He bowled a cheap spell of 1/25 in 4 overs, together with 13 dot balls, setting the tone for Bengal’s protection.
Though Chandigarh, led by Manan Vohra, got here near the goal, Bengal’s bowlers held their nerve to limit them to 156/9 in 20 overs. Sayan Ghosh was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4/30 to enhance Shami’s efforts.
Shami’s efficiency comes as he eyes a return to India’s Check squad for the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches in Australia.
The veteran pacer, recovering from a year-long damage, has already bowled 42 overs in a Ranji Trophy match and took part in eight Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy video games. Whereas he’s but to obtain ultimate health clearance from the NCA, it’s anticipated to be a mere formality.
Together with his current type, Shami’s availability might present a big increase to India’s Check staff within the high-stakes sequence Down Underneath.
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