Fans started believing that Shami would make his international comeback during the Test series against South Africa after putting in an impressive performance for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. However, that was not to be as the selectors picked his state teammate Akash Deep ahead of him in the Test squad.
Shami continued to provide some match-winning spells in domestic cricket but could not make it into the ODI side against the Proteas. Fans felt that Shami’s experience could have come in handy against Temba Bavuma’s side, especially when experienced bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were rested.
Shami did quite well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before the Indian squad was announced for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. However, when the team was announced, Shami’s name was nowhere to be found.
On Thursday, Shami managed to overcome the latest setback of his career and brought his A-game to the fore against Services at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. After Bengal skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran won the toss and elected to bowl first, Shami picked up Gaurav Kochar’s wicket with his first ball.
In his second over, Shami dismissed the dangerous Ravi Chauhan. In his first few overs, the right-arm seamer conceded just six runs and picked up two wickets. At the end of the innings, Shami defeated Nakul Sharma and Vishal Gaur to finish with astonishing figures of 4/13 in 3.2 overs.
Services were bowled out for 165 in 18.2 overs. In reply, Bengal romped home in just 15.1 overs after Easwaran and Abishek Porel scored enterprising half-centuries. Young Yuvraj Keswani also impressed with an unbeaten 36 off 19 balls. Akash Deep, who had taken a three-for with the ball, remained not out on 14 after just five deliveries.
With the seven-wicket win, Bengal moved to the top of Elite Group C, with 16 points from five matches. They face Pondicherry on Saturday, December 6.
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