[Watch] Mohammed Shami returns to competitive cricket after 360 days for Bengal in Ranji Trophy 2024-25
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has made his highly anticipated return to competitive cricket after 360 days. He marked his comeback in the Round 5 match of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, playing for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in Indore on Wednesday, November 13.
On Day 1 of the match, Bengal pacer Shami bowled 10 overs, giving away 34 runs and one maiden. Although he didn’t take a wicket, it was a significant boost for Indian cricket as the seasoned pacer was seen bowling with full intensity.
Here’s a clip of Mohammed Shami bowling in the Ranji Trophy game against MP:
Before this game, the 34-year-old pacer had been absent from action for nearly a year. His last appearance was in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup against Australia, where India’s 10-match winning streak ended with a six-wicket loss. Shami had been the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches.
However, following the World Cup, Shami was sidelined due to an ankle injury that required surgery and extensive rehabilitation at the then-NCA in Bengaluru. His comeback was further delayed by knee swelling but the Bengal pacer is finally back on the field and will be eager to regain his form and rhythm.
Bengal gets dismissed for a low score on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy match against MP
Madhya Pradesh won the toss and chose to bowl first on Wednesday. Bengal had a tough start, losing opener Shuvam Dey on the very first ball of the match. Sudip Chatterjee (15), Sudip Gharami (10), Rohit Kumar (0), and Writtick Chatterjee (19) failed to make an impact, leaving Bengal at 79 for five.
Shahbaz Ahmed and Anustup Majumdar (44) then put on a 96-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Shahbaz fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed for 92 off 80 balls, with 16 boundaries and one six to his name. Aryan Pandey and Kulwant Khejroliya claimed four wickets each as Bengal were bowled out for 228.
At stumps on Day 1, Madhya Pradesh were 103 for one, trailing by 125 runs, with Subhranshu Senapati (44) and Rajat Patidar (41) at the crease.