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Irfan Pathan Praises Mohammed Shami's Sensational 8-Wicket Ranji Haul

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised Mohammed Shami after the pacer took a sensational 8-wicket haul for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Jammu and Kashmir. Shami's figures of 8/90, his career-best, helped Bengal secure a first-innings lead. Pathan highlighted Shami's dedication, grinding in domestic cricket despite not being part of India's ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Despite Bengal's second-innings collapse, Shami's performance has been a standout in the tournament, though he hasn't been selected for India for over a year.

Key Points: Mohammed Shami Takes 8 Wickets in Ranji Trophy Semi-Final

  • Shami takes 8/90 in Ranji semi-final
  • Pathan praises Shami's domestic grind
  • Shami not in T20 World Cup 2026 squad
  • Bengal takes first-innings lead
  • J&K chases history for first final
2 min read

Irfan Pathan hails Shami after sensational 8-90 in Ranji Trophy semi-final

Irfan Pathan hails Mohammed Shami after his 8/90 for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, amid World Cup squad exclusion.

"While the World Cup is on, one of India's finest fast bowlers is grinding it out in the Ranji Trophy. 8 wickets in the semi-final. - Irfan Pathan"

Kalyani, Feb 17

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has praised Mohammed Shami after the right-arm pacer took 8 wicket haul, playing for Bengal against Jammu and Kashmir in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 semi-final played at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground.

Shami has been consistently performing well in the domestic circuit, producing match-winning spells for his team, Bengal. Shami first dismantled both the openers with the help of swing and pace with the new ball. He completed his five-wicket haul in the 59th over by getting the wicket of Kanhaiya Wadhwan, who was looking in great touch.

Shami completed his eight-wicket haul with the wicket of Jammu and Kashmir's fast bowler Aaqib Nabi in the 77th over. He also registered his career-best figures of 8/90.

Pathan mentioned the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, in which Shami is not a part of India's team, while also praising the Indian pacer's performance.

"While the World Cup is on, one of India's finest fast bowlers @MdShami11 is grinding it out in the Ranji Trophy. 8 wickets in the semi-final," he wrote on X.

Shami had also claimed a five-wicket haul against Services last month, returning with figure of 5/51 in the second innings. Overall, the 35-year-old has taken 38 wickets in seven matches, including three five-fors, cementing his place among the standout bowlers of this Ranji season for Bengal.

Despite the heroics, Shami has not been selected in India's squad over the past year. Shami last played for the Men in Blue in the Champions Trophy 2025, where he helped the team win the title with nine wickets to his name.

With the help of Shami's magnificent performance, the Bengal cricket team was able to take a lead of 26 runs in the first innings, but they got out for just 99 runs in the second innings, giving a target of 126 runs to chase for the Jammu and Kashmir team and creating history as they aim to reach their first Ranji Trophy final in history.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Irfan Pathan is spot on. It's incredible to see a star like Shami grinding in the Ranji Trophy when he could easily sit out. This is the kind of commitment that inspires the next generation. Hats off!
V
Vikram M
While I admire his performance, I have to respectfully disagree with the calls for his T20I recall. The World Cup squad is set for a reason - it's about building for the future. Shami's role now is to be a mentor in domestic cricket and pass on his skills. We need to look ahead.
P
Priya S
️ 8/90 in a semi-final! That's just pure class. Bengal is lucky to have him. But the real story is J&K making history! First final for them, what an achievement for a team from a smaller cricketing centre. 🎉
R
Rohit P
This is why Ranji Trophy is so important. Where else do you get to see a battle like this? A world-class bowler testing himself and a spirited team from Jammu & Kashmir fighting back. Domestic cricket is the soul of Indian cricket. More power to it!
K
Kavya N
Shami bhai's swing with the new ball is still a nightmare for batters. Taking both openers quickly changes the whole game. Sad that Bengal collapsed in the 2nd innings though. J&K deserves this final spot, they played with heart.

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