Watch: Mohammed Shami takes fiery 8-Wicket haul for Bengal in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 semi-final vs JK

Mohammed Shami once again reminded the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors of his class with a superb eight-wicket haul in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025–26. He delivered a strong performance in the semi-final as Bengal took on Jammu and Kashmir at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, starting February 15.

Shami’s impressive form has been growing steadily. Last month, he picked up a five-wicket haul against Services, finishing with figures of 5/51 in the second innings. His consistent performances have strengthened his case for higher honours.

Overall, the 35-year-old has taken 38 wickets in seven matches this season, including three five-wicket hauls. He has clearly been one of the standout bowlers in this Ranji Trophy campaign.

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Shami’s Eight-Wicket Spell Puts Bengal in Control

During Jammu and Kashmir’s first innings, Mohammed Shami delivered a brilliant bowling spell. He led Bengal’s attack and took eight wickets in 22.1 overs. He gave away 90 runs at an economy rate of 4.06. This was his best bowling performance in first-class cricket for Bengal. After his spell, the whole Bengal team gave him a standing ovation.

It has been almost three years since the 35-year-old played a Test match for India. His last red-ball match for India was against Australia in the World Test Championship 2023 Final at The Oval. There were doubts about his fitness in recent times, but Shami showed that he is fully fit and in great form. In 96 first-class matches, he has taken 368 wickets. In Tests, he has taken 229 wickets in 64 matches.

Bengal Continue to Dominate

In the first innings, Shami dismissed Shubham Khajuria, Yawer Hassan Khan, Abdul Samad, Kanhaiya Wadhawan, Abid Mushtaq, Vanshaj Sharma, Auqib Nabi, and Yudhvir Singh. Jammu and Kashmir were bowled out for 302. In reply, Sudip Kumar Gharami scored a superb 146 to take Bengal to 328. Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran added 49 runs. Bengal started their second innings with a 26-run lead.

Shami also performed well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he took 15 wickets in seven matches. However, he was not selected for the recent ODI series against New Zealand and did not play in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Mohammed Siraj replaced Harshit Rana in the squad. Shami also lost his BCCI central contract. His last match for India was in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Since then, he has been working hard in domestic cricket to make a comeback.

(Scorecard updated at the time of writing.)