Bhubaneswar: India pacer Mohammed Shami announced his return to form with a fiery spell for Bengal in their Ranji Trophy clash against Uttarakhand, helping his side to a convincing win in Group C. The experienced seamer delivered a masterclass in control and movement, finishing with 4 for 38 in 24.4 overs on the final day.
Shami made full use of the helpful morning conditions, breaking the back of Uttarakhand’s batting after they had started strongly. The visitors were comfortably placed at 173 for 2, with skipper Kunal Chandela leading the way with 72. But Shami’s breakthrough — trapping Chandela leg-before — sparked a dramatic collapse. Uttarakhand’s last eight wickets fell for just 92 runs as Bengal seized control of the match.
Chasing a modest target of 156, Bengal’s batters made short work of the chase, reaching home in just 29.3 overs to secure six points. Shami’s incisive bowling ensured the foundation for victory, marking an impressive comeback for the veteran quick.
The performance was a reminder of Shami’s class and hunger after a period away from the national setup. His rhythm, pace, and accuracy were on full display as he led Bengal’s attack with trademark intensity. For Bengal, his form is a major boost as the Ranji season gains momentum, and for Shami, it signals that he’s very much back in business.
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