Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami made a sensational comeback to competitive cricket after a 360-day hiatus, taking 4 for 54 in the ongoing Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match against Madhya Pradesh.
Playing for Bengal, Shami showcased his class and experience, helping his team to dismiss the hosts for a modest 167 runs at Holkar Stadium.
This was Shami’s first match since the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia, where he had been in scintillating form. The veteran bowler seemed to pick up right where he left off, bowling with precision and pace that left the Madhya Pradesh batsmen struggling.
Shami’s Impactful Spell
Shami bowled a total of 19 overs, with 10 of those coming in the third session of the first day’s play. Despite not taking any wickets on day one, he returned with renewed vigor on the second day. He opened his account by clean bowling MP skipper Shubman Sharma, who could only muster 8 runs off 19 balls. Shami’s delivery breached Sharma’s defense and sent the stumps cartwheeling, setting the tone for the rest of his spell.
Continuing his rampage, Shami clean bowled Saransh Jain for 7 runs and then had Kumar Kartikeya caught behind for 9 runs by veteran wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha. He wrapped up the MP innings by dismissing Kulwant Khejroliya for a golden duck, securing his four-wicket haul and ensuring Bengal a substantial lead.
A Family Affair
It wasn’t just Shami who shone with the ball; his younger brother Mohammed Kaif also delivered an impressive performance. Kaif picked up two crucial wickets, conceding just 41 runs in his 13 overs, further bolstering Bengal’s position in the match.
Shami’s Return and Future Prospects
Reflecting on his return, Shami expressed his delight at contributing to Bengal’s success. “It feels great to be back on the field and doing what I love. The past year has been challenging, but I’ve worked hard on my fitness and skills,” he said.
Shami’s performance is a testament to his resilience and dedication. His last competitive outing saw him picking up 24 wickets in the final seven matches of the ODI World Cup 2023. His 7 for 57 against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium remains a record for the best bowling figures by an Indian in the 50-over format.
As Shami continues to prove his mettle, fans and selectors alike will be keenly watching his performances. His return adds depth to Bengal’s bowling attack and offers hope for more such stellar performances in the future.
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