Shami’s All-Round Performance Leads Bengal to a Thrilling 3-Run Victory Over Chandigarh in SMAT Quarter-Final

Bengal secured a thrilling three-run victory over Chandigarh to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday.

The standout performer for Bengal was seamer Sayan Ghosh, who claimed figures of 4 for 30, dismissing key Chandigarh batsmen as they chased a target of 157. The target was largely set by Karan Lal’s top score of 33 and Writtick Chatterjee’s quick-fire 28 off 12 balls. However, the match’s unlikely hero was Mohammed Shami, who struck an unbeaten 17-ball 32 from No. 10, his highest T20 score, to give Bengal crucial momentum going into the break.

Chandigarh’s chase was driven by Raj Bawa’s 32, but they needed 20 off the final two overs with three wickets in hand. Shami’s return at the death saw him concede 12 runs in his final over, leaving Chandigarh needing eight off the last six balls. Ghosh then bowled two dot balls and picked up a wicket in the first five deliveries of the over, putting Bengal in control. Despite a boundary from Nishunk Birla off the final ball, Bengal emerged victorious by three runs.

Shami has been a constant presence for Bengal in this tournament, having bowled his full quota of overs in every match, taking nine wickets at an economy rate of 7.49. While Shami is working with the National Cricket Academy as he continues his recovery, he remains with Bengal for the remainder of the campaign.

Bengal will face Baroda in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.