Mohammed Shami Takes Four Wickets as Bengal Dominate Delhi in Ranji Trophy 2026–27
Mohammed Shami delivered an impressive performance for Bengal in the opening match of the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy season, taking four wickets to help his team gain control against Delhi. The experienced India fast bowler returned figures of 4/30 as Delhi were dismissed for 240 at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani.
Shami’s performance has once again drawn attention to his potential return to India’s Test setup. Despite being overlooked by the national selectors, the veteran pacer continues to demonstrate his quality in domestic cricket.
Bengal’s disciplined bowling attack kept Delhi under pressure throughout the first innings, giving the hosts a strong platform to take control of the match.
Mohammed Shami’s Four-Wicket Haul Against Delhi
Shami was Bengal’s standout bowler, combining accuracy, movement and control to trouble Delhi’s batting lineup. He bowled 17.3 overs, conceded just 30 runs and claimed four wickets, including nine maiden overs.
His wickets included Yash Dhull, Ayush Doseja, Hrithik Shokeen and Divij Mehra. Shami’s ability to maintain pressure and take wickets at important moments prevented Delhi from building a substantially larger total.
Hrithik Shokeen offered resistance with 56 runs from 98 deliveries, while Ayush Doseja contributed 45. However, Delhi struggled to establish consistent partnerships against Bengal’s bowling attack.
Shami’s figures underlined his continued effectiveness in red-ball cricket and provided another reminder of his experience and skill.
Bengal Bowlers Support Shami
Although Shami led the attack, Bengal received valuable contributions from their other bowlers.
Aamir Gani claimed three wickets for 45 runs, while India fast bowler Akash Deep picked up two wickets for 74 runs. Mukesh Kumar also took a wicket, helping Bengal dismiss Delhi for 240 in 77.3 overs.
The combined effort demonstrated Bengal’s bowling depth. Their seamers made effective use of the conditions, while regular breakthroughs prevented Delhi from gaining momentum.
Bengal’s attack will be an important factor as the team looks to maintain its position in the Ranji Trophy campaign.
Delhi Struggle Despite Hrithik Shokeen’s Half-Century
Delhi found it difficult to cope with Bengal’s disciplined bowling. Shokeen was the leading scorer with 56, while Doseja’s 45 provided some support.
However, the rest of the batting lineup could not produce enough substantial partnerships to take Delhi beyond 240.
Shami’s breakthroughs were particularly important because they prevented the middle order from building a strong platform. Gani and Akash Deep then helped Bengal maintain pressure as the innings progressed.
Delhi will need a stronger collective batting performance in their upcoming matches if they are to compete consistently in the tournament.
Can Mohammed Shami Earn Another India Call-Up?
Shami’s performance has renewed discussion about his prospects of returning to the Indian Test team. The fast bowler has been an important figure in India’s pace attack, particularly in overseas conditions and major international tournaments.
His ability to swing the ball, generate seam movement and bowl long spells has made him a valuable red-ball specialist.
Strong performances in domestic cricket can help him demonstrate his readiness for international selection. However, a return to the national team will depend on the selectors’ assessment of his fitness, workload, form and the team’s requirements.
For now, Shami’s focus remains on delivering consistent performances for Bengal and making the most of his opportunities in domestic cricket.
Bengal Gain the Upper Hand in the Match
Bengal converted their strong bowling performance into a substantial first-innings advantage. They scored 429 in reply to Delhi’s 240, establishing a lead of 189 runs.
Delhi then faced a difficult second innings. At stumps on the third day, they were 101/3, still trailing Bengal by 88 runs on aggregate.
Bengal remained in a strong position to push for an outright victory, while Delhi needed to rebuild their innings and avoid further wickets.
The match highlighted Bengal’s strength with both bat and ball, with Shami’s early contribution helping establish the platform for their advantage.
Conclusion
Mohammed Shami made an impressive start to his Ranji Trophy 2026–27 campaign by claiming four wickets against Delhi. His figures of 4/30 helped Bengal dismiss their opponents for 240 and set the foundation for a strong match position.
With Bengal taking a 189-run first-innings lead and Delhi struggling in their second innings, the hosts moved closer to a potential victory. Shami’s performance also reinforced his credentials as an experienced red-ball bowler who continues to compete at a high level in domestic cricket.