Image: Mohammed Shami starred with the ball for Bengal, taking 3 wickets for 61 runs / © ESPNcricinfo
India’s fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, played a pivotal role in Haryana’s innings against Bengal in the Preliminary Quarter-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, held on January 9, 2025, at Moti Bagh Stadium, Vadodara. Shami’s impactful spell saw him pick up three crucial wickets, helping to restrict Haryana to 298/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
His figures of 3/61 from 10 overs were instrumental in breaking the backbone of Haryana’s middle order, with Shami removing key players, including Rahul Tewatia and Ankit Kumar. Shami’s skillful seam and swing bowling, along with his experience, made him a constant threat to the opposition. In Bengal’s chase, Shami was again a key player, providing his team with depth and confidence.
With Bengal requiring 299 runs from 50 overs, the chase was looking tough, but Shami’s control and aggression kept the pressure on Haryana’s batsmen. The match sees Bengal needing 236 runs from 37 overs at the end of 13 overs, with their top order fighting to stay in the game. As the contest unfolds, Shami’s performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of this exciting knockout fixture.