WATCH: Mohammed Shami smacks unbeaten 32* off 17 versus Chandigarh in SMAT 2024 pre-quarters

WATCH- Mohammed Shami smacks unbeaten 32 off 17 versus Chandigarh in SMAT 2024 pre-quarters (Photo Source: BCCI Domestic & Jio Cinema)

Ace pacer Mohammed Shami is currently under focus as Indian team management and NCA doctors are keeping a close eye on his fitness level. The star pacer was sidelined with an ankle injury after the ODI World Cup 2024 and recently returned to cricket in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT 2024). He had done a good job in the league stage, picking up eight wickets and helping Bengal qualify for the pre-quarters, where they hosted Chandigarh.

In the game, Bengal was under pressure after being reduced to 21/3. They needed someone to step up but none of the batters could make the most. Writtick Chatterjee smashed 28 runs off 12 deliveries while Pradipta Pramanik made 30. Bengal needed a stunning finish to post a decent total and that’s when Shami rose to the occasion and played a scintillating cameo.

The pacer wreaked havoc, smashing an unbeaten 32 runs off 17 deliveries. He smashed three boundaries and a couple of sixes as Bengal posted 159 runs in the first innings. It was not just an important knock for Bengal but also for Mohammed Shami, who’s gearing up to play the ongoing series against Australia. Meanwhile, with the ball, the veteran managed to give a breakthrough in the first over itself but Bengal will have to be at their best to get the job done.

Check out the viral explosive batting of Mohammed Shami here:

Bengal have set a target of 160 in front of Chandigarh 🎯

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

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 9, 2024

Rohit Sharma provides fitness update on Mohammed Shami

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma shared an update on Shami’s fitness, stating that the cricketer has developed a swollen knee. However, he was deemed fit to play the pre-quarters game against Chandigarh and if he keeps up with the form, the team management may consider him for the final two Test matches in Melbourne and Sydney.

Also Read – Rohit Sharma opens up on Mohammed Shami’s availability for Australia series

As per reports, the NCA doctors and the BCCI officials want Shami to reduce his body fat to get into the Test side. He is said to be working on his body and a decision will be taken during the third Test.