Mohammed Shami fifer at the Eden Gardens on Sunday not only put the Mohun Bagan in charge of the final of the Cricket Association of Bengal Super League in pink ball, it proves that the India pacer was right on target with the pink ball to just bull doze through the Bhowanipore batting ranks. They were bundled out for 133 in 38 overs.
Lethal swing from the right-arm pacer put the Bhowanipore batters in a quandary on several occasions. The pace that Shami garnered was also hard for the opposition. That, perhaps, showed the difference between and international bowler and club-level batsmen.
Shami was surely a factor, but it looked more so owing to faulty application from the Bhowanipore batsmen. Even Bhowanipore coach Abdul Monayem also admitted that. “Yes application wasn’t perfect, but you have to admit Shami was too good,” he told SportsCrunch on Sunday.
On the other hand, even Mohun Bagan batters weren’t comfortable against some disciplined bowling from the opposition. Sans Anustup Majumdar and Arindam Ghosh, none had a long stay at the crease to create an impression. At close of Day 2, Mohun Bagan were 150 for four after 38 overs with Majumdar 20 (46), Ghosh 49 (82) battling it out at the middle.
Already having a lead of 296 runs, Mohun Bagan would like to wrap up the fixture on the third day itself of the four-dayer. The wicket promises to behave consistently with 24 wickets falling in course of two days.
However, the game can only be interesting from here with low scores from either sides. But Shami in this form, it will be tough ask for the opponents to chase a 350-plus in the fourth innings. So, the balance of the final is tilted heavily in favour of Mohun Bagan while Bhowanipore stare a defeat, unless a miracle!