Ranji Trophy: Huge positive for India, Shami takes seven wickets on competitive cricket return
Mohammed Shami made a triumphant return to competitive cricket after a year-long injury layoff, taking seven wickets in Bengal's thrilling 11-run win over Madhya Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy match on Saturday.
Shami's performance included a four-wicket haul in the first innings, and he also contributed with the bat. His form is a positive sign for Team India, which is heading to Australia with a relatively inexperienced pace attack for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, starting next week in Perth.
In the match, Madhya Pradesh won the toss and elected to field first. Bengal posted a total of 228 runs, with Shahbaz Ahmed top-scoring with a quickfire 92 off 80 balls, including 16 fours and a six. Aryan Pandey (4/47) and Kulwant Khejroliya (4/84) were the standout bowlers for Madhya Pradesh.
In response, Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 167 runs. Subhranshu Senapati (47 off 121 balls, with six fours) and Rajat Patidar (41 off 59 balls, with eight fours) were their leading scorers. Shami impressed with figures of 4/54, while Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal and Mohammed Kaif claimed two wickets each, and Rohit Kumar chipped in with one. Bengal secured a 61-run first-innings lead.
Bengal capitalised on their advantage in the second innings, scoring 276 runs. Writtick Chatterjee (52 off 106 balls, with six fours) and Wriddhiman Saha (44 off 115 balls, with three fours) were the top scorers, while Shami contributed a vital 37 off 36 balls, including two fours and two sixes. This set a target of 338 runs for Madhya Pradesh.
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