Mohammed Shami claimed three wickets to put Bengal in a commanding position against Kerala in their Ranji Trophy encounter at Mangalapuram in Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, Shahbaz Ahmed scored a century to help the visitors recover from a shaky start and reach 350 in their first innings.
Resuming Day 2 at 172 for six, Bengal relied on Shahbaz, who made 121 off 203 deliveries to record his third first-class century. His knock included eight fours and four sixes, helping Bengal recover from a difficult situation and post a competitive total.
Kerala struggled in response, finishing the day at 101 for six and trailing by 249 runs. Shami took three wickets for 20 runs in eight overs, while Shahbaz added two wickets for just eight runs from eight overs after his century. Pradipta Pramanik also claimed a wicket as Bengal remained in contention for their third successive victory.
Shahbaz received valuable support from Sumanta Gupta, who scored 49 off 95 balls. The duo put together a 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket, rescuing Bengal after they had slipped to 172 for six. Pradipta added 27 runs, while Shami contributed 17 before Bengal were eventually dismissed for 350.
Shahbaz had missed Bengal's season opener while recovering from an injury sustained during the Bengal T20 League at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He made an immediate impact upon his return, playing a composed innings that helped Bengal establish a strong first-innings total.
For Kerala, Aditya Sarvate led the bowling attack with four wickets for 95 runs in 32 overs, while Nedumankuzhy Basil claimed three scalps.
SHAMI TRIGGERS KERALA COLLAPSE
Kerala made a poor start to their innings, with Shami dismissing Abhishek Nair for four. Pradipta then removed the other Abhishek for 12. Sachin Baby and captain Vishnu Vinod tried to stabilise the innings, but Shahbaz ended their partnership by getting Sachin caught by Sudip Gharami for 21.
Shami returned for another spell and struck twice more. He broke through Vinod's defence after the Kerala captain had scored 41, before sending Salman Nizar back for 11. Shahbaz claimed another wicket late in the day, with Sarvate caught at slip by Abhimanyu Easwaran.
Kerala reached stumps at 101 for six, with experienced all-rounder Jalaj Saxena and Mohammed Azharuddeen at the crease. The hosts face a challenging third morning as they attempt to narrow the gap and put themselves in a position to gain a first-innings lead.
SHAMI STILL EYES INDIA COMEBACK
Shami's performance comes amid his continued efforts to earn a recall to the Indian team. The 36-year-old was omitted from the squad for the recently announced New Zealand tour and last played for India in March 2025. However, he has reiterated his desire to represent the country again, maintaining that his fitness remains at its peak.
After Bengal's Ranji Trophy victory over Services, Shami told reporters that he had not abandoned his hopes of returning to international cricket.
"Hope should always be there (for India comeback). In any profession, in any sport, you should have a goal. Everyone has a goal. Today we are playing for Ranji Trophy and playing for the title. There is always a goal and there should be a goal," he said.
Asked about his fitness, Shami promptly challenged a reporter's suggestion that his best physical condition belonged to the past.
"Sir, aaj bhi hum peak par hi hain (I am still at my peak). There is no point in lying. Ham jaise bhi hain apne peak par hain (I am very much at my peak)," he said.
Shami maintained that missing the New Zealand tour had not disappointed him. Instead, he remains focused on getting as much game time as possible and staying ready for future opportunities.
"It's not a matter of disappointment. I played the whole domestic season last year as well. I played all the matches. My motive is the same. I should play as much as I can. I should be prepared for all the upcoming series and tournaments.
"Nobody knows when and where I will have to play for India. Even for IPL, playing domestic cricket will be good for me. If I play domestic or white ball, my preparation will be the same. I will play as many matches as I can. My rhythm will be good."
With the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa drawing closer, Shami was asked whether he was already thinking about the tournament. The fast bowler said he preferred to focus on the games immediately ahead of him instead of worrying about distant possibilities.
"I don't think so far. Today we are playing cricket. Tomorrow we don't know what will happen to someone or what the situation will be. There is no point in thinking so far.
"Whatever matches you are getting, you keep playing and keep improving yourself. I always say that your focus should be on your skill, your fitness," he said.
