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Mohammed Shami made a sensational moment that stunned everyone during the first semi-final of the Duleep Trophy 2026 between East Zone and Central Zone on Tuesday, September 1, in Bengaluru’s BCCI Center of Excellence Ground.
Shami has been impressive with the ball across the innings in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2026 semi-final clash between East Zone and Central Zone, as he finished with five wickets at the CCI Center of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru.
Mohammed Shami produces sensational caught-and-bowled in Duleep Trophy 2026
The Central Zone were trying to build their second innings when Shami struck again. The senior Indian pacer bowled a sharp delivery to Harsh Dubey, who tried to play it softly but ended up chipping the ball straight back towards the East Zone bowler.
Shami reacted instantly and stretched out one hand to complete a superb caught-and-bowled dismissal. His incredible reflexes ended Dubey’s innings at 24 runs from 51 balls. It was a well-planned wicket, with Shami showing his pace, accuracy and sharp reflexes are still the same.
Watch: Mohammed Shami's Fantastic Catch In Duleep Trophy
Brilliant reflexes 👌
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 1, 2026
Mohd. Shami pulls off a fantastic one-handed-catch off his own bowling to dismiss Harsh Dubey 🙌#DuleepTrophy | #CZvEZ
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/kyExeix2VY pic.twitter.com/G7ZYgbpmi7
Mohammed Shami shows his class again as East Zone close in on Duleep Trophy 2026 Final
Mohammed Shami finished with the brilliant figures of 2/42 in 16 overs, including two maiden overs, as the East Zone restricted the Central Zone to just 266 runs in the first innings. Mukesh Kumar and Abhijit Sarkar scalped three wickets each while Mohammad Kounain Quraishi bagged two wickets.
In the second innings, Shami was more lethal, as he conceded runs at an excellent economy rate of 3.50. The seasoned pacer scalped three wickets while bowling two maiden overs in 16 overs as the East Zone bowled the Central Zone out for a paltry 158 runs in just 50.2 overs in the semifinal clash. Amid this, Cheteshwar Pujara names all-time India XI, ignores MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane.
Now, the East Zone, led by Ishan Kishan, needs 159 runs to seal a spot in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final, which is set to be played on September 6 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
All eyes will now be on the teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in East Zone's chase against the Central Zone. The 15-year-old has already slammed a blazing 92 in the first innings in the semi-final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru.
Mohammed Shami working hard for India return
Well, Mohammed Shami has not played for India since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, but the experienced pacer is still working hard for another chance in the national team.
Shami had a brilliant 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament. He also continued to perform well in domestic cricket last season, taking 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches and another 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy games.
Despite these numbers, Shami has not been part of India’s recent plans. However, the fast bowler has not given up. His childhood coach Mohammed Badruddin has revealed that Shami has lost around five kg since last season and is looking in a positive frame of mind. He is also motivated to prepare for the new season and remains ready to play for India if given the opportunity.
Badruddin was quoted as saying by India. Today: “Shami's mood is positive. He is quite motivated for the next season. He still has cricket left. He is ready, and if the country needs him, he will be ready to serve. India did not bowl well in England, where the fast bowlers get a lot of help. Shami could have been really useful there. It is not easy to bowl in South Africa. You need experience there.”
