Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

While there’s a lot of buzz about the ongoing T20 World Cup in India, former India pacer Mohammed Shami has shaken the domestic cricketing circuit with a masterclass performance. Shami pulled off a record breaking spell for Bengal against Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy. This performance is being considered to be a direct message to the selectors at BCCI.

Shami recorded a historic eight wicket haul and tore Jammu & Kashmir's batting lineup to shreds in the Ranji Trophy semi-final on Tuesday at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani. He was the best bowler for Bengal by all means. Be it swing, pace, or accuracy, Shami had all the bases covered.

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It’s not been too long since Shami was dropped from the BCCI central contract lis for his unavailability and fitness issues. His performance against J&K has come in just at the perfect time because it is the testament that Shami is all ready and match fit to lead India’s pace attack once again. 

He performed well in all phases of the game and cleanup players at crucial junctures of the game to shift the momentum back towards his side. Shami dismissed J&K’s opening duo Shubham Khajuria and Yawer Hassan Khan within the first seven overs and pushed the visitors on the back foot.  

After a while, he rejoined the attack and cleaned up Abdul Samad who was leading the fightback for the opposition. Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Abid Mushtaq were trying to build a partnership, but Shami sent both of them back to the pavilion. He then cleared the tail of Jammu & Kashmir to record a performance for the ages. 

He finished the game with 8/90 in 22.1 overs including three maiden overs and an economy rate of 4.06. His performance earned him a standing ovation from his entire team and also from fans and pundits across the nation. Shami is raring to go and it remains to be seen if he brought back into the Indian attack.