Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami was one of the major features in Bengal’s brilliant outing against Kerala on the first three days of the second-round Ranji Trophy game, as they eye a big win on the final day of the match on Thursday.
A formidable Bengal team moved closer to a third successive victory after reducing hosts Kerala to 53/4 in pursuit of a daunting 355-run target on a deteriorating track at stumps on Day 3 of their Group C Ranji Trophy clash.
Veteran off-spinner Jalaj Saxena claimed his 38th five-for in his 21st First-Class season to dismiss Bengal for 198, but Kerala were left with a daunting task ahead. Chasing 355 on a track offering turn and variable bounce, the hosts faced an uphill battle to pull off the victory over Bengal.
Left-arm spinner Pradipta Pramanik claimed all four wickets to fall in Kerala’s second innings, including those of two batters named Abhishek Nair, both of whom were dismissed for ducks.
Bengal’s bowlers, however, stole the show by bundling Kerala out for a paltry 141 in their first innings to bag a commanding 209-run lead.
Pradipta Pramanik led the bowling attack in Kerala’s first innings with figures of 4/44, while Mohammed Shami claimed 3/35 in 11 overs. Shahbaz Ahmed also chipped in with two wickets after his match-changing hundred.
If the weather holds, Bengal look all set for a comprehensive win, with the deteriorating track making batting tough.
A victory over Kerala would strengthen Bengal’s position at the top of the table, taking them to 18 points from three games after having bagged full points against Delhi and Services.
Shami’s performance remains crucial, especially with the star pacer out of the Indian team for 20 months now. While it was expected that he might be back into the team on the back of some strong performances in the domestic circuit, especially after an overhaul in the selection committee, a spot still remained elusive.
Shami also contributed a 19-ball 26 in Bengal’s second-innings score of 198.
