Sun Nov 17 10:21:00 UTC 2024: ## Shami’s Heroics Secure Bengal’s First Ranji Trophy Win
**Indore:** Mohammed Shami spearheaded Bengal’s stunning 11-run victory over Madhya Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy clash, securing their first win of the season and ending a 15-year losing streak against their rivals. Shami’s exceptional all-round performance, including a seven-wicket haul (3/102 in the second innings) and a quickfire 36 runs, proved crucial in defending a 338-run target.
The match was a tense affair, with Madhya Pradesh needing 188 runs on the final day. While Shubham Sharma (61) and Venkatesh Iyer (55) put on a crucial 95-run partnership, Shami’s crucial wickets, including that of Rajat Patidar early in the day, kept Bengal in the game. Shahbaz Ahmed’s impressive 4/48 further contributed to the pressure on Madhya Pradesh.
A late flourish by Aryan Pandey (22) and Saransh Jain (32) threatened to snatch victory from Bengal’s grasp, but Shahbaz’s double strike and Shami’s final wicket of Kumar Kartikeya sealed the win for Bengal. This performance not only secures crucial points for Bengal, placing them third in Group C, but also strengthens Shami’s claim for selection in the upcoming Australia series. His return to red-ball cricket after a year-long break was highly impressive, according to national selectors.
**Brief Scores:** Bengal 228 and 276 beat Madhya Pradesh 167 and 326 by 11 runs. Bengal won 6 points; MP 0. Other Ranji Trophy results are also mentioned in the original text.
First Piper 