How Did Shami's Five-Wicket Haul Propel Bengal into the Ranji Trophy Knockouts?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a stunning display of skill, Bengal's cricket team conquered Services by an innings and 46 runs, with Mohammed Shami's remarkable five-wicket haul leading the charge. This victory propels them into the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy. Read on for all the match highlights and player performances!
Key Takeaways
- Bengal's impressive total of 519 runs.
- Mohammed Shami's five-wicket haul crucial for victory.
- Services struggled to build partnerships.
- Jharkhand's significant win over Uttar Pradesh by an innings and 301 runs.
- Competition for the second spot in Group C remains intense.
Kalyani, Jan 25 (NationPress) Bengal clinched a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy by overpowering Services with a commanding innings victory of 46 runs during their Elite Group C match at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground on Sunday.
As play resumed on the final day, Bengal required just 20 minutes to finalize their victory, with Mohammed Shami achieving remarkable bowling figures of 5-51, which contributed significantly to Services' downfall on Saturday. Services, who were dismissed for 166 in their first innings, managed to score 349 in their second innings, yet still fell short.
Aditya Kumar attempted to resist but was out for 26 to Shahbaz Ahmed, while Amarjeet Singh was dismissed for a duck after facing just 19 balls from Akash Deep. Jayant Goyat ended up stranded at 68 not out as Services were all out for 287 in 75 overs.
Bengal had amassed an impressive total of 519, largely thanks to veteran batsman Sudip Chatterjee's outstanding 209. Their bowlers bowled a total of 129 overs across both innings, claiming all 20 wickets necessary for victory along with a bonus point.
This decisive win allowed Bengal to accumulate seven points, bringing their total to 30 from six matches, thus securing their position as Group C leaders and a place in the knockouts for now. The competition for the second spot is now between Services, Haryana, and Uttarakhand.
In another match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Jharkhand achieved one of the season's most significant victories, overwhelming Uttar Pradesh by an innings and 301 runs.
UP was bowled out for only 84 in their second innings, with seamer Saurabh Shekhar delivering a stellar performance, claiming 5-16 in just 7.4 overs. This victory has propelled Jharkhand to the second position in Group A, trailing only behind leaders Vidarbha.
Brief Scores: Bengal 519 beat Services 186 & 287 in 75 overs (Rajat Paliwal 83, Jayant Goyat 68 not out; Mohammed 5-51, Mukesh 2-56) by an innings and 46 runs.
Jharkhand 561/6 declared beat Uttar Pradesh 176 and 84 in 27.4 overs (Aryan Juyal 24; Saurabh Shekhar 5-16) by an innings and 301 runs.
Point of View
Bengal's victory in the Ranji Trophy not only showcases their cricketing prowess but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategy in competitive sports. As they advance to the knockouts, it reflects their dedication and skill, crucial for inspiring future generations in the game.
NationPress
25/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the standout player in the match?
Mohammed Shami was the standout player, achieving bowling figures of 5-51.
What was Bengal's total score in the match?
Bengal scored a total of 519 runs in their innings.
How did Services perform in their innings?
Services scored 166 in their first innings and 287 in the second innings.
What is the significance of this victory for Bengal?
This victory secured Bengal a place in the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy.
Where was the match played?
The match was held at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground in Kalyani.
