Mohammed Shami, who has faced scrutiny over his fitness, made a statement with the bat in the Syed Mushtaq Ali match against Chandigarh.
Bengal posted a total of 159, losing 9 wickets, with Karan Lal contributing 33 runs and Shami scoring an unbeaten 32. He achieved this in just 17 balls, hitting 3 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Shami’s participation in India’s upcoming tour of Australia remains uncertain, as the BCCI has yet to clear him for travel due to ongoing fitness concerns.
While his visa and equipment are ready, the selection committee is awaiting confirmation from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on his fitness status. Shami recently featured in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, delivering solid performances.
The BCCI is closely monitoring his fitness, with a team from the NCA tracking his progress. Although there were earlier hopes that Shami might join India for the final three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, it now seems unlikely.
Bengal have set a target of 160 in front of Chandigarh 🎯
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 9, 2024
Mohd. Shami provides a crucial late surge with 32*(17)
Karan Lal top-scored with 33 (25)
Jagjit Singh Sandhu was the pick of the Chandigarh bowlers with 4/21#SMAT | @IDFCFIRSTBank
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/u42rkbUfTJ pic.twitter.com/gQ32b5V9LN
Sources indicate that he could be available for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, though his inclusion is still uncertain. In the meantime, Shami continues to impress with his batting, contributing crucial runs for Bengal.