Shami Shines with Bat and Ball to Lead Bengal into Quarter-Finals

Bengal secured a dramatic three-run victory over Chandigarh at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday afternoon, booking their place in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) quarter-finals. Seamer Sayan Ghosh was the standout performer, taking 4 for 30 to dismantle Chandigarh’s batting lineup as they chased down a target of 157. Karan Lal laid the […]

The unexpected hero with the bat was Mohammed Shami, who smashed an unbeaten 17-ball 32 from No. 10, his highest T20 score. This crucial knock gave Bengal the momentum they needed going into the break, adding depth to their batting lineup. Despite their efforts, Chandigarh’s chase was marked by inconsistency. However, Raj Bawa’s 32 kept their hopes alive as they pushed for victory.

The match reached a dramatic climax, with Chandigarh needing 20 runs off the last two overs and three wickets in hand. Shami returned to bowl at the death and conceded 12 runs in his final over, bringing the equation down to eight runs from the last six balls. Bengal’s bowlers held their nerve under pressure, and the team secured a thrilling three-run victory to advance to the next stage.

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Shami’s Key Contribution and Continued Comeback as Bengal Edge Chandigarh

Bengal’s thrilling three-run win over Chandigarh was sealed in the final moments when Sayan Ghosh delivered an outstanding over. Ghosh bowled two consecutive dot balls and claimed a crucial wicket within the first five deliveries, effectively sealing the match for Bengal. With seven runs needed off the last ball, Nishunk Birla found the boundary. Still, Bengal emerged victorious, completing a dramatic finish that secured their spot in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) quarter-finals.

Mohammed Shami has been integral to Bengal’s campaign, playing in all eight matches and bowling his full quota of overs each time. Shami’s performances have been consistent and impactful, with nine wickets at an economy rate of 7.49. Reports suggest that Shami will remain with the Bengal squad for the remainder of their campaign, continuing to contribute his experience and skill. The Indian pacer is working with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff in Bengaluru as part of his recovery and preparation for a return to top-level cricket. However, he still needs the medical clearance to rejoin the national side.

Shami’s involvement in the SMAT has raised concerns, especially after India captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of caution on Sunday in Adelaide, stressing that Shami’s recovery from knee swelling—an issue that flared during the tournament—needs careful management. Despite these challenges, Bengal’s team management has praised Shami for his dedication and how well he has managed his workload throughout the competition. The pacer has chosen to rest on the eve of matches rather than train, a strategic decision to maintain his performance levels for the entirety of the tournament. Bengal’s next challenge will be against Baroda in the round of eight on Wednesday, as they aim to extend their journey in the competition.

UP Secures Quarter-Final Spot with Thrilling Win Over Andhra

Bhuvneshwar Kumar shone with the ball, picking up 2 for 30. At the same time, Rinku Singh delivered a composed finish with an unbeaten 27 off 22 balls. Vipraj Nigam also made a significant impact, claiming 2 for 20 with the ball and contributing an essential 27* off eight balls in a match-winning all-round performance. Their efforts propelled Uttar Pradesh to a four-wicket victory over Andhra, securing their place in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarter-finals.

Andhra’s innings struggled initially, scoring 89 for 5 after 15 overs and then 113 for 6 in the 16.2 over. However, KV Sasikanth and SDNV Prasad countered with a spirited 43-run stand for the seventh wicket in just 16 balls, pushing their total to 156 for 6 and injecting excitement into the match.

In response, UP started confidently, with Karan Sharma and Aryan Juyal building a strong 70-run partnership off just 49 balls. Despite losing four wickets for 18 runs in 24 balls and two more in the 16th over, Rinku Singh remained steady at one end. He found an unlikely hero in Vipraj Nigam, and the pair forged a game-changing 48-run partnership off 18 balls. Their combined efforts ensured UP reached their target with an over to spare, securing a crucial win and advancing to the tournament’s next stage.