Bengal T20 League: Shami's hat-trick, Vishal's 86 power Siliguri Strikers to dominant win
Kolkata, June 7
The iconic Eden Gardens on Saturday witnessed another Mohammed Shami special as the veteran pacer bagged an impressive hat-trick for Servotech Siliguri Strikers against Shrachi Rarh Tigers in the Bengal T20 League Season 3 match.
Shami dismissed Shahbaz Ahmed in the fourth ball of the 16th over, followed by claiming Rohit Kumar and Dipanjan Mukherjee in the fifth and sixth ball respectively to complete his hat-trick. Shami finished with 4 for 27 in 4 fours while Karan Lal (3-36) also impressed as Siliguri bagged a 24-run victory over Rarh Tigers, according to a press release.
Put into bat, Servotec Siliguri Strikers posted a challenging 208/4 in 20 overs, thanks to Vishal Bhati's brilliant 46-ball 86. His knock included 6 sixes and 5 fours. At the end, Pramod Chandila's quickfire 36 not out off 16 powered the team past 200.
Chasing the target, Shrachi Rarh Tigers managed 184/9 in 20 overs. Shuvam Dey Sr (48 off 25) and Rahul Prasad (44 off 26) were the pick of the batters.
Earlier in the day's first match, Sobisco Smashers Malda outclassed Murshidabad Kings by seven wickets. Put into bat, after the match was reduced to 15-overs-a-side due to rain, Murshidabad Kings scored 134/7 in the allotted overs. Deepanshu (47 off 33) top-scored for his side.
For Malda, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal was the pick of the bowlers, bagging 3 for 18. In reply, Writam Porel (50 off 29) and Abhimanyu Easwaran (48 not out off 31) helped Malda chase the target down, scoring 138/3 in 13.4 overs.
Brief score - Murshidabad Kings vs Sobisco Smashers Malda
Murshidabad Kings: 134/7 (15 overs)
Sobisco Smashers Malda: 138/3 (13.4 overs)
Brief score - Shrachi Rarh Tigers vs Servotech Siliguri Strikers
Servotech Siliguri Strikers: 208/4 (20 overs)
Shrachi Rarh Tigers: 184/9 (20 overs).
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm so happy to see Bengal T20 League getting this kind of attention. Earlier people used to only follow IPL, but now local tournaments are producing genuine talent. Shami's hat-trick proves that even international stars are giving their 100% here. And Vishal Bhati – 86 off 46 with six sixes? That's a knock to remember! Hope he gets a chance in IPL soon. #BengalCricketRising
Shami's hat-trick was world-class, no doubt. But what about Karan Lal's 3 for 36? The man is really stepping up! Also, Rahul Prasad's 44 off 26 for Rarh Tigers showed some fight. But 208 was always a mountain to climb. Siliguri Strikers look like a well-balanced unit this season. Let's see if they can go all the way. 🤞
As someone who watches cricket from the States, it's great to see these state-level leagues getting coverage. Shami's hat-trick was the highlight, but I must say – the way Vishal Bhati paced his innings was mature. 46 balls, 86 runs, with consistent boundaries. And the rain-affected match between Malda and Murshidabad was also interesting. Easwaran's unbeaten 48 was crucial. Good cricket all around.
Great win for Siliguri Strikers! But I have to say, Rarh Tigers' bowling looked a bit ordinary. Giving away 208 on a good pitch is okay, but 184 in reply? They lost too many wickets at crucial junctures. Shuvam Dey played well, but he needed support. Also, rain affecting the first match – typical Kolkata weather! 😅 Good to see Bengal cricket getting its due.
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