SMAT 2025: Mohammed Shami bounces back after getting snubbed for South Africa T20Is, bags sensational four-for

Mohammed Shami showed once again that he is not going to go down without a fight. Despite being snubbed for yet another international series, the Bengal speedster delivered a magnificent spell in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Services on Thursday, December 4.

Fans were starting to believe that Shami would make his international comeback during the Test series against South Africa after putting in impressive performances for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. However, that wasn't to be, as the selectors picked his state teammate Akash Deep ahead of him in the Test squad.

Shami continued delivering some match-winning spells in domestic cricket but couldn't make it to the ODI side against the Proteas. Fans believed that Shami's experience could have come in handy against Temba Bavuma's side, especially when experienced bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were rested.

Shami was doing reasonably well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before India's squad announcement for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. However, when the team was announced, Shami's name was nowhere to be found.

On Thursday, Shami managed to overcome the latest setback in his career and brought his A-game to the fore against Services at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. After Bengal skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran won the toss and opted to bowl first, Shami picked up the wicket of Gaurav Kochar with his first ball.

In his second over, Shami dismissed the dangerous Ravi Chauhan. In his first couple of overs, the right-arm seamer conceded just six runs and bagged two wickets. At the back end of the innings, Shami got the better of Nakul Sharma and Vishal Gaur to finish with mind-boggling figures of 4/13 in 3.2 overs.

Services were bowled out for 165 in 18.2 overs. In reply, Bengal romped home in just 15.1 overs after Easwaran and Abishek Porel scored enterprising half-centuries. Young Yuvraj Keswani also impressed with an unbeaten 36 off 19 balls. Akash Deep, who had bagged a three-for with the ball, remained not out on 14 off just five deliveries.

With the seven-wicket win, Bengal moved to the top of Elite Group C, with 16 points from five games. They will face Puducherry next on Saturday, December 6.