Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Mohammed Shami takes seven-for, guides Bengal to 11-run win over MP

Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami who returned to competitive cricket after almost a year-long injury, led Bengal to a nail-biting 11-run victory over Madhya Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy clash at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. The Indian pacer's seven-wicket match haul, along with a batting cameo, proved handy in Bengal's victory in the Elite Group C fixture.

Coming back from an injury, Shami showed his class in the first innings, claiming 4/54 in the first innings to help Bengal secure a crucial 61-run lead. The veteran pacer displayed his batting capabilities in Bengal's second innings, smashing a 37 off just 36 deliveries.

His knock, laced with two fours and two sixes, included some spectacular hits off Kartikeya Singh and Kulwant Khejroliya. The crucial 39-run last-wicket partnership with his brother Mohammed Kaif helped Bengal post 276, giving the hosts a challenging target of 287.

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Shahbaz Ahmed awarded the Player of the Match

On the final day's play, despite Shami leaking runs at four per over, he maintained his cool at crucial times. The match hung in the balance when MP's eighth-wicket partnership between Saransh Jain and Aryan Pandey threatened to take the game away.

However, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed's figures of 4/48 brought Bengal back into the contest. With MP needing 14 runs with one wicket remaining, Shami returned to hammer the final coffin in the box, dismissing Kumar Kartikeya to seal the victory.

Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla expressed satisfaction with Shami's comeback performance, particularly mentioning his ability to bowl 11 overs across two sessions on the final day. This performance will be a confidence booster for Shami, who wasn't considered for India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad and is expected to be called following the second Test in Adelaide.

Bengal also managed a win due to Shahbaz Ahmed's all-round performance, who scored 92 in the first innings and picked up crucial wickets in the second innings, earning him the Player of the Match award.