Sports Desk: Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami created history in the third edition of the Bengal T20 League by registering the tournament’s first-ever hat-trick and guiding Servotech Siliguri Strikers to a dominant 24-run victory over Shrachi Rarh Tigers at Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Read Bengali: বেঙ্গল টি-২০ লিগে ইতিহাস শামির, হ্যাটট্রিকে দুরন্ত জয় শিলিগুড়ির
After winning the toss, Shrachi Rarh Tigers opted to field first, hoping to take advantage of the conditions. However, Siliguri Strikers came out with an aggressive approach right from the beginning and piled up a massive total of 208 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.
The star of the innings was Vishal Bhati, who produced a sensational knock at number three. The explosive batter smashed 86 runs off just 46 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and six towering sixes. His fearless strokeplay completely shifted the momentum in favour of Siliguri and left the Rarh bowlers struggling for answers.
Karan Lal also played an important supporting role with a valuable 39-run contribution, while Pramod Chandila provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 36 off only 16 balls. Mohammed Shami chipped in with a quick cameo as well, remaining unbeaten on 8 from just two deliveries, including a six.
For Shrachi Rarh Tigers, captain Shahbaz Ahmed, Raju Haldar, Sukhmeet Singh and Rahul Prasad picked up one wicket each.
Chasing a daunting target of 209, Rarh Tigers showed glimpses of a fightback but failed to build substantial partnerships. Shubham Dey Senior top-scored with 48 runs, while Rahul Prasad added a fighting 44. However, regular wickets kept derailing their chase.
The biggest turning point of the match came during the 16th over when Mohammed Shami produced a breathtaking spell of fast bowling. The experienced pacer dismissed Shahbaz Ahmed, Rohit Kumar and Dipanjan Mukhopadhyay on three consecutive deliveries to complete a memorable hat-trick — the first in Bengal T20 League history.
Earlier in the innings, Shami had already removed opener Sumanta Gupta, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 wickets for 27 runs in his four-over spell. His fiery bowling completely dismantled the middle order and sealed the contest in Siliguri’s favour.
Apart from Shami, Karan Lal also impressed with the ball by claiming three wickets, while Ishan Porel and Vishal Bhati chipped in with one wicket each.
Eventually, Shrachi Rarh Tigers were restricted to 184 for 9, falling short by 24 runs. With dominant performances in both batting and bowling, Servotech Siliguri Strikers made a powerful statement in their opening game of the season.
The victory not only highlighted the team’s all-round strength but also marked a memorable night for Mohammed Shami, whose historic hat-trick became the biggest talking point of the tournament.
