Out-of-favour India fast bowler Mohammed Shami delivered a powerful reminder of his skills with a match-winning performance in domestic cricket on Thursday. His devastating spell of 4 for 13 helped Bengal secure a convincing seven-wicket victory over Services in a Group C clash of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Hyderabad.
Shami's Masterclass Sets Up Dominant Win
The foundation for Bengal's win was laid by their pace attack, led by Shami. Shami was named Player of the Match for his figures of 4/13 in just 3.2 overs. He was ably supported by fellow India pacer Akash Deep, who claimed 3 for 27. Their combined effort skittled Services out for 165 in 18.2 overs.
Shami struck early in his first spell, removing openers Gaurav Kocchar for a duck and the dangerous Ravi Chauhan, who had raced to 26 off just 9 balls. After Writtick Chatterjee (2/32) and Akash Deep dismantled the middle order, Shami returned to wrap up the innings by taking the final two wickets.
Easwaran and Porel Chase With Flair
Chasing 166, Bengal's batting lineup made light work of the target, reaching it in only 15.1 overs. Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, building his case ahead of the IPL auction, scored a brisk 58 off 37 balls. He was partnered by Delhi Capitals' IPL wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel, who smashed 56 from just 29 deliveries.
The pair added a crucial 93 runs for the second wicket in only 8.2 overs, effectively sealing the game for Bengal. This commanding performance marked Bengal's fourth win in five matches, propelling them to the top of the Group C points table with 16 points and putting them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.
Performance Fuels India Selection Debate
Shami's timely domestic heroics have ignited fresh discussion about his continued absence from the Indian national team. The pacer has not played for India since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the team with nine scalps.
The debate intensified after Prasidh Krishna conceded 85 runs in the second ODI against South Africa, despite taking two wickets. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh publicly questioned the selectors' decision to overlook Shami.
"Where is Shami? I don't know why Shami is not playing," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel. He acknowledged Prasidh Krishna's potential but emphasized Shami's experience, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. "We have to learn the art of winning games without Jasprit Bumrah," he added, highlighting the need for a seasoned campaigner like Shami in the attack.
As India continues to assess its pace bowling options for the upcoming challenges, Shami's domestic form serves as a potent statement, putting pressure on the team management to reconsider their choices.
