In a high-voltage encounter at Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengal edged past Chandigarh by a narrow margin of three runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The match saw Mohammed Shami don an unlikely hero’s cape with the bat, while Sayan Ghosh’s bowling masterclass (4 for 30) ensured Chandigarh fell just short in their chase of 160.
Shami’s Batting Blitz: A Surprise Starring Role
Picture this: Bengal, struggling at 114/8 in the 16th over, seemingly out of gas. Enter Mohammed Shami. Known for his searing yorkers, Shami decided to trade his lethal ball for a flaming bat. And boy, did he deliver! Smashing a blistering 32 off 17 balls, including three fours and two towering sixes, Shami took Bengal’s total to a respectable 159/9.
Partnering with Pradipta Pramanik (30 off 24), Shami turned a dire situation into an electrifying one. His cameo culminated with back-to-back boundaries in the final over, dragging Bengal from the brink of collapse to a fighting chance.
Fun fact: Shami’s rise as a handy lower-order batter isn’t sudden. Remember his match-saving knock at Lord’s in 2021? Shami is now synonymous with “expect the unexpected.”
Bengal’s Bowlers Turn the Tide
Chandigarh started cautiously but stumbled early when Shami, back to doing what he does best, dismissed Arslan Khan with his third ball—a brilliant diving catch at cover point.
Bengal’s bowling duo of Sayan Ghosh and Shahbaz Ahmed kept tightening the noose. By the 10th over, Chandigarh were reeling at 56/4. However, cricket thrives on twists, and Chandigarh’s Raj Bawa (32) and Pradeep Yadav (27) stitched together a game-changing 45-run partnership.
With Chandigarh back in the hunt, Sayan returned to knock over the dangerous Bawa, while Kanishk Seth sent Pradeep packing. Still, the contest was far from over.
The Nerve-Wracking Final Overs
Tension reached fever pitch in the final two overs. Shami, tasked with the 19th over, conceded 12 runs, including a boundary that gave Chandigarh a sliver of hope. With 11 runs needed off the final over, all eyes turned to Sayan Ghosh.
Displaying nerves of steel, Sayan bowled a sensational last over, nailing his yorkers and dismissing Nikhil Sharma while also forcing Jagjit Singh into a run-out. Chandigarh could only manage seven runs, falling agonizingly short at 156/9.
The heroes? Shami’s stunning late assault and Sayan Ghosh’s match-winning spell of 4 for 30.
Match Highlights: Bengal vs Chandigarh
- Bengal: 159/9 in 20 overs
- Top Performers: Mohammed Shami (32*), Karan Lal (33), Pradipta Pramanik (30)
- Best Bowling: Jagjit Singh (4-21)
- Chandigarh: 156/9 in 20 overs
- Top Performers: Raj Bawa (32), Pradeep Yadav (27), Manan Vohra (23)
- Best Bowling: Sayan Ghosh (4-30), Shahbaz Ahmed
Key Takeaways
- Mohammed Shami, the Surprise Hero
Shami’s knock reminded fans that he’s not just a deadly bowler—he can swing the bat with intent, too. - Sayan Ghosh’s Death Over Masterclass
Bowling the final over with nerves of steel, Sayan proved why he’s Bengal’s go-to man in crunch situations. - Team Resilience
From 21/3 to posting 159, Bengal’s lower order displayed incredible grit and determination.
FAQs
Bengal clinched a thrilling 3-run win with Shami’s late batting heroics (32 off 17) and Sayan Ghosh’s brilliant last over (4/30).
Mohammed Shami stunned everyone with his batting, while Sayan Ghosh’s four-wicket haul sealed the deal.
Chandigarh scored 156/9 while chasing Bengal’s total of 159/9.
Shami’s explosive batting cameo reminded fans of his growing prowess as a lower-order batter.
The match took place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Conclusion
The clash between Bengal vs Chandigarh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was nothing short of a cricketing rollercoaster. Mohammed Shami’s explosive batting at the death and Sayan Ghosh’s calm composure in the final over proved to be the difference.
As Bengal marches into the quarterfinals, fans can’t help but wonder—what more does Shami have in store? For now, though, Bengal’s thrilling victory serves as a testament to teamwork, resilience, and, of course, a little Shami magic!
