Mohammed Shami with a 7-wicket haul guides Mohun Bagan home

India pacer Mohammed Shami followed up his five-wicket haul in the first innings with a 2/82 in the second innings to present Mohun Bagan a 296-run win in first pink ball match in India.

The part-time seamer Vivek Singh was the man with the ball in the second innings, who had figures of 5 for 32 and Bhowanipore Club were bowled out for 199 in 48.3 overs. Mohun Bagan thus became the champions of the Bengal Super League. Shami for his bowling performance was awarded as the player of the match.

“I’ll prefer pink ball any day, hope this pink ball match prospers. The best thing is you got to bowl only one session under the sun. Then the ball starts doing the talk once the lights are on,” Shami said.

“I got reverse swing in the first innings. I think if the condition is dry, the ball will reverse. The seam usually does not remain intact after 40 overs but it’s not the case with the pink ball,” he added.

Also read: Pink ball glows like radium: Mohammed Shami

The Indian pacer is eyeing a recall in the playing XI in the upcoming Test series against West Indies. “I’m working on getting back my rhythm and wanted to ball long spell. But then I thought of taking a break after 15 overs to give others an opportunity to bowl with the pink ball,” he said.

“I now feel the same way I was earlier. The time spent during the injury was the worst part of my life. I was along with my wife alone, and was bedridden for three months, took two months to walk. Then gradually got my fitness back at the NCA.”

Coincidentally, Shami has made both his first-class debut and Test debut at this venue. “This ground is always special to me, and the pink ball debut has made it even more special,” he signed off.

Brief Scores:

Mohun Bagan: 1st innings 299 all out in 87.5 overs 2nd Innings 349 all out in 88.1 overs.

Bhowanipore Club: 1st Innings 153 all out in 38.5 overs 2nd Innings 199 all out in 48.3 overs (Subham Chatterjee 50; Vivek Singh 5/32).

Man of the Match: Mohammed Shami