Mohammed Shami Shines with 4 Wickets; Calls Grow for His India Comeback

Kolkata: Former Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, currently out of the national team, delivered a sensational performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, leaving selectors with little choice but to consider his comeback. Shami took 4 wickets for just 13 runs, helping Bengal defeat Services by 7 wickets in a Group C match on Thursday.

Bengal Secures Fourth Win
Under the leadership of Abhimanyu Easwaran, Bengal claimed their fourth win in five matches, amassing 16 points and topping the points table, strengthening their claim for a place in the knockout stage. Bengal chased down the target of 166 runs in just 15.1 overs. Easwaran scored 58 off 37 balls, forming a strong 93-run second-wicket partnership with Abhishek Porel (56 off 29 balls).

Shami’s Match-Winning Spell
Shami’s devastating spell saw Services bowled out for 165 in 18.2 overs. His 4-wicket haul was complemented by Akashdeep Singh, who claimed 3 wickets for 27 runs, and Ritik Chatterjee, who took 2 wickets for 32 runs. Shami’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

Hardik Pandya Impresses with the Ball
Meanwhile, all-rounder Hardik Pandya impressed with the ball in Baroda’s clash against Gujarat. Returning from injury, Pandya bowled 4 overs for 16 runs, picking up one wicket as Baroda defeated Gujarat by 8 wickets in a low-scoring encounter. Former India U19 pacer Raj Limbani took 3 wickets for just 5 runs, helping Baroda restrict Gujarat to 73 all out in 14.1 overs. Baroda chased the target in 6.4 overs, losing only two wickets, with Pandya contributing 10 quick runs. Pandya is scheduled to join the Indian team for the upcoming five-match T20 series against South Africa in Cuttack from December 9.

Haryana Defeat Himachal Pradesh
In another Group C match, Haryana defeated Himachal Pradesh by 7 wickets. Pacers Anshul Kamboj (3 wickets for 44 runs) and Anuj Thakral (3 wickets for 31 runs) bowled brilliantly to restrict Himachal to 176 for 8. Haryana’s Yashvardhan Dalal (76 not out) led the chase, hitting 7 fours and 4 sixes, completing the target in 18 overs.

Shami’s brilliant bowling performance has once again reignited discussions about his potential return to the Indian national side, highlighting his enduring value as a frontline pacer in the T20 format.