Introduction to Bengal Cricket Team vs Chandigarh Cricket Team Match Scorecard
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 witnessed an intense preliminary quarter-final match between Bengal and Chandigarh on December 9, 2024, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match turned out to be a thrilling contest, with Bengal securing a narrow victory by just 3 runs. This win helped them advance to the next stage of the tournament. The game was filled with dramatic moments, brilliant performances, and some nerve-wracking final overs. The highlight of the match was the exceptional bowling effort by Sayan Ghosh, who was named the Player of the Match for his crucial wickets in the closing stages.
Table of Contents
Match Overview
The match was played under perfect weather conditions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chandigarh won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to take advantage of the pitch conditions, which are generally favorable for chasing teams. Bengal posted a competitive total of 159/9 in their 20 overs, thanks to significant contributions from their middle order. Chandigarh, in response, came close but could only manage 156/9, falling short by a mere 3 runs. The contest remained intense till the very last over, making it one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament.
Match Details
- Date: December 9, 2024
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Tournament: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 (Preliminary Quarter-final)
- Result: Bengal won by 3 runs
- Player of the Match: Sayan Ghosh (Bengal) for his 4-wicket haul
Bengal’s Innings – A Balanced Effort
Bengal had a shaky start, losing wickets early in the powerplay. However, their middle-order batsmen played responsible innings, ensuring they posted a competitive total. Karan Lal played a vital knock, scoring 33 runs off 25 balls, stabilizing the innings after the early setbacks. Pradipta Pramanik also made a valuable contribution of 30 runs, rotating the strike well and keeping the scoreboard ticking. However, the most surprising and impactful knock came from Mohammed Shami, who played a blistering 32 off just 17 balls, smashing some crucial boundaries in the final overs to push Bengal past the 150-mark.
Top Performers for Bengal
- Karan Lal: 33 runs off 25 balls (4 fours)
- Mohammed Shami: 32 runs off 17 balls (2 sixes, 3 fours)
- Pradipta Pramanik: 30 runs off 22 balls (2 fours)
Chandigarh’s Bowling Performance
Chandigarh’s bowlers did an excellent job in restricting Bengal to a modest total. Jagjit Singh was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for just 21 runs in his 4-over spell, troubling Bengal’s top order with his swing and accuracy. Raj Bawa also bowled well, taking 2 wickets for 27 runs, keeping the pressure on the Bengal batsmen throughout the innings.
Bengal’s Final Score
- Total: 159/9 in 20 overs
- Run Rate: 7.95 runs per over
Chandigarh’s Chase – So Near Yet So Far
Chandigarh started their chase on a steady note, with Manan Vohra providing a solid start with 23 runs. The middle order took over, with Raj Bawa playing an aggressive innings of 32 off 20 balls, keeping the chase on track. Pardeep Yadav also chipped in with a quick 27 off 19 balls, maintaining the required run rate. However, as the innings progressed, Bengal’s bowlers tightened their grip, making it difficult for Chandigarh to accelerate in the death overs.
Top Performers for Chandigarh
- Raj Bawa: 32 runs off 20 balls (2 sixes, 3 fours)
- Pardeep Yadav: 27 runs off 19 balls (2 fours, 1 six)
- Manan Vohra: 23 runs off 21 balls (3 fours)
Bengal’s Bowling Brilliance in the Death Overs
Bengal’s bowling attack made the difference, with Sayan Ghosh leading the charge. He bowled an exceptional spell, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs, dismissing key batsmen at crucial moments. Kanishk Seth also played a supporting role, picking up 2 wickets for 35 runs. Mohammed Shami, who had earlier shone with the bat, bowled a disciplined spell, giving away just 25 runs in his 4 overs and picking up a crucial wicket.
Chandigarh’s Final Score
- Total: 156/9 in 20 overs
- Run Rate: 7.80 runs per over
Key Turning Points of the Match
Mohammed Shami’s All-Round Heroics
Mohammed Shami’s performance turned out to be a game-changer. His quick-fire 32 runs in the final overs helped Bengal set a fighting total. With the ball, his tight spell of 1/25 in 4 overs ensured Chandigarh could never break free, applying pressure at the right moments.
Sayan Ghosh’s Match-Winning Spell
With Chandigarh needing 8 runs off the final over, the pressure was on Bengal. Sayan Ghosh held his nerve and bowled a brilliant last over, picking up a wicket and conceding only 4 runs, sealing the victory for Bengal. His ability to execute yorkers and mix his deliveries made it difficult for Chandigarh’s batsmen to score freely.
Post-Match Reactions
Bengal’s Captain on the Victory
The Bengal captain praised the team’s resilience, highlighting Shami’s all-round performance and Ghosh’s exceptional bowling. He mentioned that the bowlers executed their plans perfectly in the final overs, which helped them edge past Chandigarh in a closely fought contest.
Chandigarh’s Perspective on the Loss
Despite the loss, Chandigarh’s coach expressed pride in his players’ efforts. He acknowledged the outstanding performances of Raj Bawa and Jagjit Singh, while also pointing out that the team needed to handle pressure better in crunch situations. The close defeat was a learning experience, and the team would look to bounce back stronger in future tournaments.
Statistical Highlights of the Match
Batting Performances
- Highest Individual Score: Karan Lal (Bengal) – 33 runs
- Most Sixes: Mohammed Shami (Bengal) – 2 sixes
- Most Fours: Karan Lal (Bengal) – 4 fours
Bowling Performances
- Best Bowling Figures: Jagjit Singh (Chandigarh) – 4/21 in 4 overs
- Most Wickets: Sayan Ghosh (Bengal) – 4 wickets
- Most Economical Bowler: Mohammed Shami (Bengal) – 1/25 in 4 overs
Conclusion
The Bengal vs Chandigarh quarter-final match was a spectacular contest, full of twists and turns. While Bengal had some nervous moments, their experienced players stepped up when it mattered most, sealing a thrilling 3-run victory. Sayan Ghosh’s brilliant spell in the final over, Mohammed Shami’s unexpected batting heroics, and Jagjit Singh’s lethal bowling for Chandigarh made this an unforgettable match. This win will surely boost Bengal’s confidence as they move ahead in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, while Chandigarh will take away valuable lessons from this intense battle.
Also read – Bihar Cricket Team vs Karnataka Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Match Analysis