Kalyani, February 17 – Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has praised Mohammed Shami after the right-arm pacer took 8 wickets, playing for Bengal against Jammu and Kashmir in the ongoing 2025-26 Ranji Trophy semi-final played at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground.
Shami has consistently performed well in the domestic circuit, producing match-winning spells for his team, Bengal. Shami first dismantled both the openers with the new ball, using swing and pace. He completed his five-wicket haul in the 59th over by getting the wicket of Kanhaiya Wadhwan, who was in excellent form.
Shami completed his eight-wicket haul with the wicket of Jammu and Kashmir's fast bowler Aaqib Nabi in the 77th over. He also registered his career-best figures of 8/90.
Pathan mentioned the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup, in which Shami is not a part of the Indian team, while also praising Shami’s performance.
"While the World Cup is on, one of India's finest fast bowlers, @MdShami11, is performing well in the Ranji Trophy. 8 wickets in the semi-final," he wrote on X.
Shami had also claimed a five-wicket haul against Services last month, returning with a score of 5/51 in the second innings. Overall, the 35-year-old has taken 38 wickets in seven matches, including three five-wicket hauls, solidifying his place among the standout bowlers of this Ranji season for Bengal.
Despite Shami's impressive performance, he has not been selected in India's squad in the past year. Shami last played for the Men in Blue in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he helped the team win the title with 9 wickets to his name.
With Shami's magnificent performance, the Bengal cricket team was able to take a 26-run lead in the first innings, but they were bowled out for just 99 runs in the second innings, setting a target of 126 runs for the Jammu and Kashmir team to chase, and creating history as they aim to reach their first Ranji Trophy final.
