Shahbaz Ahmed’s century and Mohammed Shami’s double whammy put Bengal in control for fourth straight win in Ranji Trophy 2025-26

Star all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed scored his second first-class century, while veteran speedster Mohammed Shami picked up two quick wickets in successive overs as Bengal strengthened their grip to win their fourth straight Ranji Trophy Group C clash. 

Shahbaz smashed secind first class century

Bengal resumed at 267/4 and quickly built on their strong position. Shahbaz, who began the day on 61, batted confidently with Sumanta Gupta, and together they added 129 runs for the fifth wicket, taking Bengal to 442 all out. Shahbaz scored 101 off 122 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, while Gupta narrowly missed a century, falling for 97. Mohammed Shami added a quick 14 off 18 balls to help Bengal cross 440.

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At stumps on the penultimate day, Assam were 98/3 in their second innings, still 144 runs behind with seven wickets in hand, as Bengal pressed for a second consecutive bonus-point win.

Shahbaz's form in Ranji Trophy 2025

Bengal leads Group C with three wins from four matches, two points clear of Haryana (18). Shahbaz is in brilliant form after recovering from injury. He scored 300 runs at an average of 60 in three matches, with scores including 86 and 51*. He is also one of Bengal’s top wicket-takers with 18 wickets, second only to Shami (20).

The Bengal top order, including skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran (66), struggled to convert starts, but Shahbaz at No. 5 and Gupta provided stability. Lower-order contributions, including Rahul Prasad (28 off 48), helped Bengal cross 400.

Assam's chase

Assam’s reply started poorly, losing three wickets for just eight runs inside six overs, including Shami taking two early wickets. Denish Das (63)* and skipper Sumit Ghadigaonkar (30)* steadied the innings with an unbroken 90-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Bengal’s main task on the final day will be to break this partnership early, as Assam still trail by 144 runs with seven wickets remaining.

Brief scores

Assam 200 and 98/3 in 38 overs (Denish Das 63 batting, Sumit Ghadigaonkar 30 batting; Mohammed Shami 2/29). Bengal 442 in 109.1 overs (Shahbaz Ahmed 101, Sumanta Gupta 97, Abhimanyu Easwaran 66, Habib Gandhi 58; Abdul Ajij Kuraishi 2/67, Akash Sengupta 2/85, Rituraj Biswas 2/40).