Thrilling Wins Propel Bengal into SMAT Quarter-Finals

Bengal secured their spot in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) quarter-finals after a dramatic three-run win over Chandigarh at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday. The game, filled with twists and turns, saw seamer Sayan Ghosh deliver a match-winning performance, bagging 4 for 30 and dismantling Chandigarh's chase for a target of 157.

Karan Lal's steady 33 and Writtick Chatterjee’s explosive 28 off just 12 balls laid the foundation for Bengal. The real surprise, however, came from Mohammed Shami, who smashed an unbeaten 32 off 17 balls at No. 10—his highest T20 score—boosting Bengal’s total.

Chandigarh’s chase hinged on Raj Bawa’s 32, but as they needed 20 runs from the final two overs with three wickets in hand, the game swung in Bengal’s favour. Despite Shami conceding 12 runs in his last over, Ghosh delivered under pressure. He bowled two dot balls and claimed a wicket in the final over, leaving Chandigarh needing seven off the last delivery. Nishunk Birla managed a boundary, but Bengal edged the win by three runs.

Shami has been a pivotal figure for Bengal, playing all eight matches, delivering his full quota of overs, and claiming nine wickets at an economy of 7.49. Currently training with the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, Shami is being cautiously managed to ensure his readiness for top-flight cricket. While India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has suggested patience before rushing Shami into action for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bengal remains optimistic about his form and fitness.

Next, Bengal faces Baroda in the quarter-finals tomorrow.