Shahbaz Ahmed’s heroics help Mohammed Shami-less Bengal register innings win against Railways in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash

Mohammed Shami-less Bengal defeated Railways by an innings and 72 runs as left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed produced a stunning seven-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy 2025 Group C clash at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat.

Shami, who featured for Bengal in their two last Ranji Games, played a crucial role in the team's two consecutive wins against Uttarakhand and Gujarat. After that he went wicketless against Tripura as the clash ended in a draw

Shami's Ranji Performance

Shami has so far picked up 15 wickets as Bengal registered two successive wins in their first two Ranji Trophy matches before going wicketless against Tripura. He has bowled 91 overs in three matches this season.

Railways bundled out for 132

Railways who started their day on 90 for 5 were bundled out for 132 in 55.5 overs in their second innings, collapsing in the first session as Shahbaz ran riot with figures of 7 for 56 from 22.5 overs. Shahbaz's great accuracy and sharp turn in Surat troubled the Railways' middle and lower order batting unit.

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Only Bhargav Merai (26 off 81 balls) and Upendra Yadav (21 off 63) showed some resistance, and once Shahbaz removed Merai and Yadav in quick succession, the end came swiftly.

Railways follow-on

Railways, forced to follow on after being bowled out cheaply in the first innings, had ended day three at 90 for 5, trailing by 114 runs. However, their hopes of taking the match into the final session evaporated as Bengal's bowlers maintained a stranglehold from the outset.

Right-arm pacer Rahul Prasad supported Shahbaz well with 2 for 41, while Mohammed Kaif chipped in with a wicket.