Mohammad Kaif who is Mohammed Shami’s brother was impressive on his Ranji Trophy debut. The youngster who plays for Bengal made his first class debut in Ranji Trophy by claiming three crucial wickets against Andhra Pradesh. However, it was not an ideal debut for Kaif as Bengal squandered a big first innings lead.
Batting first at the YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Bengal managed to score 409 runs. Sourav Paul registered 96 runs while Anustup Majumdar hammered 125 to amass a big total for Bengal. Andhra lost wickets in regular intervals, before Ricky Bhui saved the hosts.
Bhui hammered a sensational knock of 175 runs which helped Andhra manage 445 runs to take the first innings lead. The match came to a draw during the tea break on the last day with Bengal batting on 82/1. Andhra bags all 3 points and Bengal returns home with a solitary point.
Mohammad Kaif Shines
Despite squandering the lead, one of the highlights for Bengal was the debut of Mohammad Kaif. The young pacer scalped 3 wickets. He was the most economical bowler from the Bengal contingent. Kaif gave away just 62 runs from his 32 over spell that consisted of 8 maidens.
Prashanth Kumar, Nithish Kumar Reddy and K V Sasikanth fell victim to Kaif who managed to bowl out Andhra for 445, a tad higher than what Bengal managed.
