Mohammed Shami started on a poor note but finished with a strong performance in Bengal’s Vijay Hazare Trophy pre-quarterfinal against Haryana. The pacer is expected to make his comeback to international cricket in the Champions Trophy after being on the sidelines since the end of ODI World Cup. While he was tipped to make a comeback midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shami developed complications during his recovery which included swelling in his knees, which led to a delay in his return.
Shami shines late in VHT knockouts
Shami bowled a spell of 3/48 in 8 overs in the knockout game against Haryana. The first wicket was that of Rana’s (14) who was dismissed in the sixth over, thanks to a caught behind by keeper Abhishek Porel. He went on to concede 40 runs in his remiander of his first spell, going at an economy rate of 6.67. His second wicket came in the 42nd over as he got rid of Dinesh Bana after being reintroduced into the attack. Shami soon got rid of Anshul Kamboj, adding a third wicket to his tally.
He was battered earier in the innings by opener Arsh Ranga, who smashed two sixes off Shami and then went on to hit another maximum in the next over off Mukesh. It is pertinent to note that the selectors are reportedly present to witness the knockout game in which Shami is participating, which will determine his selection for CT 2025.
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Shami went under the knife in early 2024 after carrying an ankle injury throughout the ODI World Cup. He then began his recovery at the NCA and made his return to domestic cricket in the Ranji Trophy. Subsequently, he featured in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was then rested for the opening round matches of VHT. However, he is now racing against time to prove his fitness in order to secure a spot in India’s Champions Trophy squad. The teams have a deadline on January 12 to submit their provisional squad for CT 2025.
