Lucknow: Right-arm seamer Mohammed Shami expressed his feelings after his brilliant performance on his return to competitive cricket since the 2023 50-over World Cup final against Australia, returned with figures of 0/34 in 10 overs. “Finally, the wait is over! After 360 days, I’m back on the field, stronger, and hungrier. 4 wickets for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and this is just the start. Every delivery, and every wicket is dedicated to You, my incredible fans. Your love fuels my passion. Let’s make this season unforgettable!” Shami wrote on X.
Indian pace veteran Mohammed Shami delivered an impressive spell during his return to competitive cricket, taking four wickets for Bengal during his side’s Ranji Trophy Group C match against Madhya Pradesh on Thursday.
Earlier, MP won the toss and elected to field first and Bengal put up a score of 228 runs, with Shahbaz Ahmed top-scoring with 92 in 80 balls, with 16 fours and a six. Aryan Pandey (4/47) and Kulwant Khejroliya (4/84) were the top bowlers for MP.
In their first innings, MP was skittled out for 161 runs, with Subhranshu Senapati (47 in 121 balls, with six fours) and Rajat Patidar (41 in 59 balls, with eight fours) being the top scorers.
Besides Shami, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mohammed Kaif (two wickets each) and Rohit Kumar (one wicket) were among the wickets for Bengal as they gained a 67-run lead.
Following the end of the ODI World Cup 2023, the India pacer suffered an ankle injury, which forced him to stay away from the field since November last year. The right-arm seamer was also not considered for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.