Shami Shines with 8-Wicket Haul as Karnataka Dominates in Ranji Semis

Mohammed Shami continues to press his case for a national team return, claiming eight wickets for Bengal against Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy semi-final. His impressive haul ensured Bengal a narrow first-innings lead at the Kalyani Cricket Ground in Kolkata. Yet, the Bengal side faltered, collapsing for just 99 in their second innings.

Despite Shami's stellar performance, Jammu and Kashmir's bowlers, led by Auqib Nabi Dar and Sunil Kumar, dismantled Bengal's batting lineup. Jammu and Kashmir ended day three needing 83 runs to secure their place in the final. Shami's eight wickets boost his season tally to 36, making him the sixth highest wicket taker of the tournament.

Meanwhile, in Lucknow, Karnataka's Devdutt Padikkal notched up his maiden double century, anchoring his team to a colossal score of 736/10 against Uttarakhand. Contributions from Ravichandran Smaran and Kruthik Krishna added to Karnataka's dominance. Uttarakhand struggled in response, finishing day three at 149/5, with Vidyadhar Patil leading the bowling attack, capturing crucial wickets for Karnataka. (ANI)